David Ben Gurion 1957 Typed Letter Signed as Prime Minister of Israel

Typed letter signed by David Ben-Gurion as first Prime Minister of Israel, one page on State of Israel letterhead, 6x7.75, Jerusalem, Israel; June 3, 1957. Revered as the "Father of the Nation," Israel's first Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, David Ben-Gurion, wrote this letter to Yigal Yadin, a famous military commander and archaeologist. The letter comments on the impact of the Sinai War on Israel's international reputation.

Ben-Gurion states that "the Sinai war gave us supporting friends and admirers from all parts of the universe. But nevertheless, I do have an apprehension that I am willing to discuss in Gat and in Ashkelon - but not in Amman nor in Cairo. In the future, if we will have to fight, the war will be fought under much different conditions than those we fought under during the Sinai Campaign. Thus we must strengthen our standing ability towards the future." The letter is signed, "Sincerely yours, David Ben-Gurion."

On October 29, 1956, amid the international Suez Crisis, Israel invaded and occupied the Sinai Peninsula. Within three days, the U.N. General Assembly called for a cease-fire and a complete withdrawal of armed forces. The United States, to the miscalculation of Israel, France, and Britain, demanded the unconditional return of all forces to pre-October 29 lines. Under American pressure, Israel complied and withdrew by March 1957. However, the Sinai campaign profoundly enhanced the morale of the Israeli people and established the Jewish State as a power to be reckoned with on regional and international stages.

Two punch holes along right margin, not affecting text. Creasing along mail folds with light soiling. Otherwise, in fine condition.