French civil servant and resistant (1899-1943) who succeeded in unifying the main networks of the French Resistance, a unique act in Europe. He served as the first President of the National Council of the Resistance during World War II from May 27, 1943, until his death less than two months later. Exceptionally rare pair of World War II-dated items from storied French resistant Jean Moulin, then serving as a prefect in Eure-et-Loir, consisting of an autograph draft letter and a typed letter addressed to Moulin, who adds an ANS to the upper portion.
The draft letter from Moulin, in French, one page both sides, 5.25 x 8.25, Cabinet du Prefet d’Eeue-et-Loir letterhead, November 5, 1939, sent to H. Chaumet, the director of the Ministry of Commerce, attempting to help the wife of his friend, the aviator Maurice Bellonte, in part (translated): “I hasten to transmit to you under this cover the response of the military authorities to my representation in favor of Mr. Louvat. Mr. Louvat is accordingly going to have a military position more in keeping with his state of health, and I am very happy about it. May I allow myself, in turn, to draw your attention to the enclosed request from the wife of my excellent friend Bellonte, the well-known aviator? I do not know whether this request is in conformity with the regulations in effect, but to the extent that it may be, it would please me if you could arrange for her to obtain satisfaction.”
The typed letter in French, sent to Moulin from H. Chaumet, one page, 5.25 x 8, Minister of Trade and Industry letterhead, November 10, 1939, in part: “I do not want to delay in thanking you for your letter of 5 November about Mr. LOUVAT, a clerk in the Minister’s office. You have been most kind in concerning yourself with that young man, who is very grateful to you. I am happy to intervene, as you request, in favor of Mrs. Raymonde LAFON, with regard to the difficulties she is having with the English customs service in relation to shipments of beaded and spangled embroideries. I immediately had Mrs. LAFON called in, who gave my officials all the relevant information, and I am writing today to our commercial attaché in London to ask him to have this matter looked into urgently.” Moulin crosses out the first part of the letter, indicates the important passage with a squiggled line, and writes above blue pencil, “Friends. Jean Moulin.”
Includes a first edition paperback of the French-language book Le livre en colère, signed by author Rene Hardy (1911–1987) a member of the French Resistance during World War II, who was suspected of being instrumental in the arrest of Jean Moulin, General Charles Delestraint, and other members of the resistance. Despite later being acquitted in two separate trials, those suspicions never went away. In overall fine condition.
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