TLS, two pages, 8.25 x 10.75, Office of the President, China letterhead, February 20, 1954. Letter to Illinois Congresswoman Marguerite S. Church, in full: "Mr. Lloyd came with Mr. Stasen to dinner night before last. That was the first time I had been downstairs for seven weeks. I have been ill with infectious hepatitis, and still feel a bit weak. I received your letter about Mr. Lloyd and found him not only charming but very intelligent. This sounds patronizing but I do not mean in that sense. Also, there is a very nice young man in the group named Matteson. Do you know him? Although he is young, I think he, too, has a real head on his shoulders. Mr. Lloyd told me that you are one of the two speakers in Congress whom the members all hasten to listen to when a speech is to be made. I think that is a real test of the substance and quality of your thinking and integrity.
I have asked my secretary to gather a few notes about the women's work for you as I am afraid that I am in no position to write any article at present. The doctors tell me to turn off my thinking machine. I am having some trouble, too, with the old skin ailment which shows that my nerves will play havoc with me if I am not careful, And so, for the next few months, I have to go very slowly.
The National Assembly opened yesterday for its second session. This is the first meeting it has held for six years. The main object at this meeting is to elect a new president and vice president. I had to attend the opening with my husband but took to bed immediately upon my return. I am enclosing for you an English version of the President's Report to the Delegates. After the meeting, the Chinese prisoners of war from Korea, some 14,000 strong, gathered in front of the building. The President and I went out on the balcony to wave to them. It was a stirring sight to see these young men who have braved so much and who have suffered so keenly to return to Free China. I was sorry that when they arrived, I could not be at the dock to meet them, but as soon as I am well, I shall visit them. I was so touched by the presents they brought me which they made themselves during their internment, Amongst them were our national flag, a tank made from discarded kerosene tins; a pair of hand-made cloth shoes on the bottoms of which were embroidered the four characters: 'catch Chu Mao alive.' I hope all goes well with you." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. In January of 1954, more than 14,000 mainland Chinese soldiers taken prisoner in the Korean War defied Communist enticement and intimidation to choose a new life in free China. Their courage and determination created a sensation in the free world and dealt a heavy blow to prestige of the Peiping regime.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$100.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
