October 2022 Auction Ends Thursday, October 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/27/2022
Ho Chi Minh autograph letter signed, dated 20 January 1946 as President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, following the 1945 August Revolution when the DRV took control of the country. Ho writes to Army Captain John I. Farris, stationed in Hanoi for nine months as the most senior American military member of a team sent by the U.S. to investigate American planes shot down in the area. In this significant letter, Ho describes the two plane crashes that triggered the investigation, as well as the particulars of a French man who appears to have been murdered. English letter reads in full,
''Dear Capt Ferris, [sic] / There are further informations concerning your Service:
.1 - Jan. 19, 1945, a plane got burned at DONG-ZAO, Ninh-binh province. 5 American pilots died.
.2 - December 1944, a plane was downed at MAU-A, yen-bay [bai] province. 5 airmen killed.
.3 - In the forest of TAM-DAO, Thai-nguyen province, people found a destroyed plane.
Concerning the Arnouk's case.
1. He was a quiet man, didn't do any political activities.
2. His two daughters are not liked by other French, especially by the French mission's people.
3. When the American mission arrived here, the daughters received anonymous letters threatening them, because they are friendly with the English and American.
4. People noticed that these last few days, Mr. Arnouks had been followed by strangers. / Investigation is going on.
Best greetings, / Yours truly, / Ho Chi Minh / Jan. 20, 1946 / 5 P.M.''
Two page letter on a single sheet is penned in blue fountain pen, measuring 5.5'' x 7.375''. Creasing, trimmed top edge, and small tear and paperclip impression at top. Very good condition with bold handwriting. Consigned by the family of Captain Farris.
Ho Chi Minh Autograph Letter Signed from 1946 -- In This Outstanding Letter, Ho Describes a Series of American Military Plane Crashes in Vietnam that Triggered a U.S. Investigation
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