American general, in 1942 he became the U.S. secretary to the combined chiefs of staff, and as Dwight D. Eisenhower's chief of staff (1942–45) he signed the surrender terms with Italy (1943) and with Germany (1945). Smith served (1946–49) as ambassador to the USSR, director of the Central Intelligence Agency (1950-1953), and Undersecretary of State (1953–54).TLS signed “W.B. Smith,” one page, 8 x 10.5, The Foreign Service of the United States of America, American Embassy, Moscow letterhead, March 5, 1948. In part: “Under normal circumstances I would be more than glad to follow up on the books which you sent to Mr. Shostakovich to be autographed. However, he and some of his musical associates are in rather difficult position now as their work has been publicly condemned and they are in official disfavor…I am sure also that under present circumstances he would be reluctant to communicate with his admirers in the United States, even to returning autographed books…it might be that he never received them, as there are rather stringent regulations about the importation of foreign printed matter into the Soviet Union…I am sure you will understand the situation, and would be unwilling to have me do anything which might cause Professor Shostakovich any difficulties.” In fine condition, with scattered faint creasing, a couple of minor edge nicks, faint toning. R&R COA.
