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DAVID BEN-GURION

ISRAEL PREPARES TO INVADE EGYPT OVER SUEZ CANAL

28. DAVID BEN-GURION (1886-1973). Having declared Israel's independence, he became its first prime minister and greatly influenced the country's first decade, placing much emphasis on national security and military development. Important TLS, 1p, 6"x8", Jul 1, 1956. On State of Israel, Prime Minister letterhead to Foreign Minister General David Shaltiel in Brazil. "With the deep problems that are facing our State today and probably more so in the near future, it is most important that the World will be able to face our problems clearly, understanding the circumstances. There are leaders whom we will not be able to convince of our just rights, for example, the leaders of Russia who wish to buy the friendship of the Arabs at any price and the cheapest price is the enmity of Israel, but there are other governments in the world, in Brazil and Venezuela, that I am sure we will be able to explain our just rights to..." Boldly signed in fountain pen. Ben-Gurion has sent a copy to Foreign Minister Golda Myerson, later Prime Minister. Two punch holes at right edge; pencil annotation at bottom border; else Fine. The British withdrew from the Suez Canal the month before this letter was written, and in July President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal, precipitating a crisis in which Israel invaded Egypt and Great Britain and France sent armed forces to retake the Canal. United Nations intervention forced an armistice, and the Canal was reopened in April 1957. MB: $1200

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