Ronald Reagan TLS to Former P.M. Lord Wilson, "We truly consider the British-American relationship to be special"

A 1p typed letter signed by 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004), as "Ronald Reagan" at lower left. Written in Washington, D.C. on April 15, 1985 on a single sheet of watermarked "The White House / Washington" stationery with a blind-embossed presidential seal at the top. Expected surface wear including light paper folds. Three sets of pinholes or staple holes, including two located near Reagan's signature but not affecting it. Else near fine. 7" x 10.5."

President Reagan wrote this thank you note to Lord Harold Wilson, Baron Wilson of Rievaulx (1916-1995), the British Labour Party career politician who had twice served as Prime Minister.

Reagan wrote in part:

"Thank you very much for your kind letter. Your generous words about the United States and especially my Administration were most gratifying; all the more so coming from a former Prime Minister and renowned British politician.

I wish to reiterate how highly we value our close ties with Great Britain. We truly consider the British-American relationship to be special…"

Reagan's letter closely conforms--in both language and spirit--with the "Special Relationship" idea. This was the long-held belief that the United States and Great Britain shared an exceptional bond. The phrase "special relationship" was first used in a 1946 speech by Sir Winston Churchill to characterize the close cultural, linguistic, religious, political, and economic ties between the two countries that made them natural allies. While some political scientists maintain that the "Special Relationship" is just a myth, credence in the idea shaped twentieth-century foreign policy and continues to shape Anglo-American relations to this day, though some U.S. Presidents and British Prime Ministers have gotten along better than others.

Ronald Reagan got along famously with Margaret Thatcher, Lord Harold Wilson's eventual successor as Prime Minister. (Lord Wilson served as Prime Minister from 1964-1970 and then from 1974-1976.) "Ron and Margaret" had a strong working relationship, and the pair closely collaborated. Thatcher's term as Prime Minister, 1979-1990, coincided with much of Reagan's 1981-1989 presidential term.

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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