Dwight D. Eisenhower TLS as President Chiding Older Brother Edgar Re: 1960 State of the Union Address: "You just don't read my public pronouncements!"

A 1p typed letter signed by 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969), as "D.E." at lower right. Written on February 6, 1960 in Washington, D.C. on a single leaf of stationery with "The White House / Washington" embossed in black at the letterhead. Double hole punched for filing at top. Expected paper folds and traces of a binder clip impression at top, else near fine. 7.125" x 10.375."

President Eisenhower wrote this exasperated letter to older brother Edgar N. Eisenhower (1889-1971). The brothers' dispute centered around the United Nations International Court of Justice, a subject which Eisenhower had initially mentioned in his 1959 State of the Union Address, and then resurrected in his 1960 State of the Union Address delivered before a joint session of Congress about a month earlier, on January 7, 1960.

About this address, Eisenhower complained to his brother in part: "You just don’t read my public pronouncements! I refer you to the following quotation…You may gather that I am in complete disagreement, not for the first time, with you…" Despite his frustration, younger brother Ike shows he has no hard feelings towards Edgar by adding "With warm regard, D.E."

Eisenhower's 1960 State of the Union address encompassed dozens of serious topics, including the Cold War, nuclear warfare and disarmament, the postwar economy, the Civil Rights movement, and space exploration. It is unknown whether Edgar brooked an exception on the issue of the United Nations International Court of Justice based on his political views or legal opinion; perhaps Edgar, a lawyer for 50 years, felt qualified to school his younger brother?

The United Nations International Court of Justice, or World Court, was established in 1945 and is headquartered at the Peace Palace in The Hague. Its fifteen judges, elected for 9-year terms, are tasked with mediating disputes between states and nations. Eisenhower's proposal to "repeal our present self-judging reservation" and comply without exception to the Court's decisions coincides with the spirit of the organization today. According to the U.N.'s website: "If a State agrees to participate in a proceeding, it is obligated to comply with the Court’s decision." During the Cold War, Eisenhower prioritized a universal rule of law to prevent catastrophe.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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