British soldier and administrator (1861-1936) most famous for his role during World War I, in which he led the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in the conquest of Palestine and Syria in 1917 and 1918. ALS signed “Allenby F.M.,” one page, 7.5 x 9.75, The Residency, Cairo letterhead, December 25, 1919. Significant handwritten letter penned shortly after the conclusion of World War I, in part: "A remarkable feature of my campaign in the Holy Land is the fact that one third of my Army which won Jerusalem from the Turks was composed of Muslims. That Army also included—besides Christians—Jews and Hindoos. All worked, with sincerity and devotion, in the same cause." In fine condition, with a small circular area of toning. Accompanied by the original hand-addressed mailing envelope, also signed by Allenby and retaining its wax seal on the reverse.
A superb letter with commentary on the diversity of his troops, who worked together to preserve the cultural and religious integrity of Jerusalem upon its capture. When Allenby defeated the Turks and began his occupation, he issued a proclamation promising 'that every sacred building, monument, holy spot, shrine, traditional site, endowment, pious bequest, or customary place of prayer of whatsoever form of the three religions will be maintained and protected according to the existing customs and beliefs of those to whose faith they are sacred.'
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