Description
FRENCH ENGINEER & SOLDIER WHO, WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT’S HELP, LEAD THE REVOLUTION THAT ACQUIRED THE LAND FOR THE UNITED STATE THAT WAS USED FOR THE PANAMA CANAL
PHILIPPE BUNAU-VARILLA (1859-1940) HANDWRITTEN LETTER SIGNED, “P. Bunau Varilla”, on a card 4.5 x 3.5, Sept. 25, 1921, Paris, by the French engineer and soldier who greatly influenced Washington’s decision concerning the construction site of the Panama Canal and worked closely with President Theodore Roosevelt in orchestration of the Panama Revolution and assisted the rebels desiring to breakaway from Columbia. The first President of the newly independent Panama appointed Bunau-Varilla as Ambassador to the United States with full power to sign treaties on behalf of Panama. And, in the very controversial Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty the new Panamanian authorities gave control of the Panama Canal area to the U.S. The handwritten letter, in full: “The undersigned offers to his unknown friend Mr. Ashley T. Cole his kindest regards and expresses the hope of an ever increasing friendship between America and France, as well as between the citizens of these two great countries, the pillars of Civilizations, Progress and Human Happiness, the real guarantors of the peace of the world.” In fine condition, with minor age toning.
$325 #12483
