PAUL MORAND - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 05/31/1959 - HFSID 79388

PAUL MORAND
Letter from the controversial French author regarding the Nuremberg trials, writing that he has always viewed them as "morelly unfair and politically most dangerous"
Typed letter signed: "P Morand", in blue ink, 8¼x5¾. May 31, 1959. Switzerland. In full: "Dear Sir, in answer to your letter of the 18th, I beg to inform you that I have always judged the Nurenberg trials morelly unfair and politically most dangerous. It is to be feared that even that puny attempt at moral discrimination will be found wanting in the next war, where death sentences will rain, on those only, who have not turned coat in time. Yesterday said: "A soldier must obey"; To-morrow will say: "Obey...whom?" Yours sincerely". Paul Morand (1888-1976) was a French author of novellas and short stories who is now viewed as an early Modernist and Imagist. Born in Russia to French parents, Morand grew up rather privileged both financially and artistically, being influenced by members of the arts who frequented his childhood home. His writing was often praised for it's elegance and upper class views, and became a popular read during the height of the 1920's. It was also during the 1920's that Morand began showing an interest (mostly for self-gain) in politics, and began displaying some controversial racial and anti-Semitic views. During World War II, Morand allied himself with the Nazis and the Vichy government, being appointed as Ambassador to Romania, using the position to benefit himself. After the defeat of the Nazis, Morand fled to Switzerland, where he lived the remainder of his life in exile. Fold in center. Slightly creased. Lightly toned, esp. toned on bottom left half. Corners slightly worn. Stray ink marks on left half. Ink notes (unknown hand) on bottom margin. Otherwise, fine condition.