Emperor of Japan (born 1901) from 1926 to his death in 1989. Hirohito’s reign was marked by rapid militarization and aggressive wars against China and the United States. Following the devastating result of the atomic bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima in World War II, he renounced his divinity in favor of a democratic constitutional monarchy. Official letter of state, in Japanese, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 9.25 x 12.5, dated “eighth day of the month of September the fifteenth Showa year” (September 8, 1940). Letter reads, in part (translated): “Having examined the letters patent of April 1940 His Majesty Farouk, King of Egypt, in which he has his majesty pleased to appoint Mr. Nikolas Khalil Bey Consul General of Egypt in Tokyo, with jurisdiction over the entire territory of the empire of Japan, we have recognized this quality and we give him all privileges relating to its functions. We order, in consequence, to the competent authorities to give Mr. Nikolas Khalil Bey all necessary assistance…His Majesty Farouk King of Egypt, for which it has pleased his majesty styling Mr. Nikolas Khalil Bey Consul General of Egypt to Tokyo, with jurisdiction over the entire territory of the empire of Japan, we recognized in that capacity and we give him all the privileges related to its functions. We order, in consequence, the Competent Authorities do give to Mr. Nikolas Khalil Bey all the assistance necessary for the exercise of its functions conform to this enforcement.” In fine, bright condition. Accompanied by a French translation and its original transmittal envelope.
Even while Japan was embroiled in world conflict, Hirohito sent this friendly message to King Farouk of Egypt to welcome his newly appointed diplomat to Tokyo, assuring him of full Japanese support. Although both the Allies and Axis desired to gain control of the Suez Canal—a key location in the region—the Egyptian government aimed to remain neutral throughout WWII. However, most of the population, embittered from British colonial rule, supported the Axis. Most interesting about this letter is the date—within two weeks, Italian forces would invade Egypt to combat British forces, though they made little progress in their goal of capturing the Suez. Rommel and his German troops were more successful a year later, but again were defeated by the British under the leadership of Montgomery of Alamein. Once defeat of the Axis was imminent, Egypt went through the formality of declaring war on Germany and Japan on February 26, 1945, so that they could secure a seat in post-war negotiations and representation in the United Nations; relations between the nations, and between Hirohito and Farouk, remained cordial. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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