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Lot #247
William Randolph Hearst

To director Raoul Walsh on WWII: "As for Hitler and his gangsters, it will take three years to subdue them after we have begun to defeat them—and we have not yet begun"

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Estimate: $600+
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Description

To director Raoul Walsh on WWII: "As for Hitler and his gangsters, it will take three years to subdue them after we have begun to defeat them—and we have not yet begun"

Interesting TLS signed “W. R. Hearst,” two pages, 8.5 x 10, personal letterhead, September 15, 1942. Letter to Warner Bros. director Raoul Walsh, in part: "I would like to do 'In the News' columns, but they would be too critical of the government. I am not afraid of Administration persecution, but I think the public thinks the seamy side of the situation should not be exposed to view. Doubtless the public is right. We need optimism. But what we need most is competence. The New Deal is utterly visionary, and I dear a debacle as in France. One can worry inwardly about such things, but cannot say them publicly. My contention is that we ought to be concentrating on the Japs. We could save India—make China victorious—divert the Japs from all thought of Australia or Alaska, if we sent the arms and planes to the Orient that we are wasting in useless or hopeless places. As for Hitler and his gangsters, it will take three years to subdue them after we have begun to defeat them—and we have not yet begun. If we wait too that long to concentrate on the Japs, they will be swarming all over Australia and Hawaii and Alaska as they swarmed over the Philippines. I would like to see us disinfected of those vermin promptly. It would be an easy job if we set about to do it seriously. It could be done in a year. The European job is a hard one, a dangerous one, a financially exhausting one, a bloody one, a long and woeful one. There will be blood and sweat and tears enough to satisfy even Churchill. Those are my thoughts and fears. God grant that I am wrong. One thing I do know—that the New Deal has never made a success of anything yet—never fulfilled a promise—never kept a pledge. Can we hope that it will reverse its record now?" Each page is removably encapsulated in a mylar sleeve. In fine condition, with light edge toning.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs
  • Dates: #521 - Ended February 07, 2018





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