TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, August 24, 1920. Letter to Edwin A. Elslach, Esq., in San Francisco. In full: “Thank you for your note. I have taken a position very similar to your suggestion in a number of my speeches. I have called attention to the undoubted fact that Germany, in accepting the Armistice Terms of November 10th, accepted at the same time the principle of the League of Nations. Later on, when the actual treaty [Treaty of Versailles] was signed, this treaty contained the concrete form of the League of Nations, and Germany not merely signed but signified her desire to become a member of the League. It would, therefore, be bad faith on our part, not merely to the Allies but to Germany herself, to fail to carry out the principle of the Armistice and of the actual Treaty. Germany will undoubtedly become a member of the League. Our present difficulty is that we can take no steps to hasten that day because we are not members ourselves.” In very good to fine condition, with some light soiling, paperclip impression along top edge, a few wrinkles, and a vertical fold to left side.
Superb early 20th century political commentary, touching upon some of the most significant events of the era. Two months earlier, FDR—then Assistant Secretary of the Navy—became the Democratic Party’s nominee for Vice President. The First World War had ended in 1918, following the Treaty of Versailles, with the eventual creation of the League of Nations meant to preserve world peace.
Despite President Woodrow Wilson’s efforts to establish and promote the League, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the US did not join the organization due to opposition in the US Senate, primarily from Republican politicians. Roosevelt alludes to this in his letter, noting America cannot speed Germany’s induction “because we are not members ourselves.” Democrats, however, rallied behind the group and those like-minded nations at the time, including Germany. In the end, the League was a failure as its members remained mostly silent in the face of major events leading to World War II. In fact, the onset of WWII bluntly showed that the organization had failed in its primary purpose—maintaining world peace. This letter sets the stage for the relationship between FDR and Germany—from a one-time supporter of the European nation to her greatest foe during World War II. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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