An autograph letter of condolence signed by Sir Ronald Storrs to the widow of Charalambos John Simopoulos (1874-1942), Greek Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1934 until his death
The letter (quarto, 2 pages on one sheet, 'The Mill House, 26 X 1942') is nothing if not memorable for this priceless (albeit over-the-top) understatement: 'And I can never forget his quiet bravery on the day when Italy so basely attacked Greece: not even did he postpone our luncheon'. Apart from being folded twice for posting, the letter is in excellent condition. Notable in the fascinating career of this influential British colonial official was his involvement with the small group of British officials seeking to liberate the Arabic populations of the Ottoman Empire. T.E. Lawrence would write: 'The first of us was Ronald Storrs, Oriental Secretary of the Residency, the most brilliant Englishman in the Near East, and subtly efficient, despite his diversion of energy in love of music and letters, of sculpture, painting, of whatever was beautiful in the world's fruit. None the less, Storrs sowed what we reaped, and was always first, and the great man among us' ('Seven Pillars of Wisdom', Chapter 6). Storrs continued his diplomatic career, taking positions as Civil Governor of Jerusalem and Judea, and as Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Cyprus.
Item #115302
Price (AUD):
$330.00