Letter Signed, "Hirohito", 1 p., in Japanese, oblong folio, April 3, 1962, Tokyo, to El Salvador's provisional president, Eusebio Rodolfo Cordon Cea. Written in Japanese calligraphy in columns on gold ruled paper headed by the gold embossed chrysanthemum seal. Enclosed in a folder on which is typed an official translation in French, also crowned by the gold embossed chrysanthemum seal. Horizontal and vertical folds, toning, staple holes, tape repair to the folder, else very good.
The letter, in full, below:
”It is with great pleasure that I have received Your Excellency's letter dated January 25, 1962, by which He was kind enough to let Me know that He had taken possession of the office of Provisional President of the Republic of El Salvador.
I am particularly happy to address to Your Excellency all My Congratulations on His taking up of a high office, and to learn that all His efforts will aim at maintaining and strengthening the friendly relations which so fortunately exist between Japan and El Salvador.
I also want to assure Him that I will not spare giving My assistance for the consolidation and tightening of the bonds of friendship that so happily always unite Our two Countries.
I take this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurances of My high esteem and My unalterable attachment."
A member of the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world, the Imperial House of Japan, Hirohito's rule of Japan began in 1921 when he became regent for his ailing father whom he succeeded five years later. Under his long reign, Japan attacked China and the United States, precipitating America's entry in to World War II. After the United States dropped two atomic bombs over the cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Japan agreed to accept the terms of the Potsdam Declaration. Emperor Hirohito's surrender on August 14, 1945 marked the first time in the nation's long history that it had been defeated and occupied by a foreign power. The extent to which Hirohito's involvement in setting the course of the war and the war crimes committed by Japan's Imperial Forces is a controversial matter. Despite the call to put Hirohito on trial for war crimes, the Emperor remained on the throne at the insistence of General Douglas MacArthur. Hirohito headed Japan's monarchy until his death in 1989.
In 1962, El Salvador's military faction overthrew the authoritarian government of Jose Maria Lemus Lopez, and on January 25th appointed Eusebio Rodolfo Cordon Cea (1899-1966) provisional president. He held that position until July 1, 1962.
Iconic Auctions guarantees this item to pass authentication by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS). Full certification for this item can be acquired for an additional fee. Please contact our offices at 1-800-325-7127 or email us at Info@IconicAuctions.com for pricing and details.