[WALLIS WINDSOR]: (1895-1986) American Socialite, wife of Edward, Duke of Windsor. An interesting A.L.S., Herman, by Herman Rogers, two pages, 8vo, Cannes, 28th January 1956, to the Duchess of Windsor ('Dear Wallis'). Rogers thanks the Duchess for her letter and continues 'I have been thinking a lot about the Goddard business, and to tell you the truth, the whole thing is rather hazy in my mind. My impression is that you sent for him and that that was why you were so surprised when the uninvited M.D. showed up. My further impression, rather strong, is that you somehow found out later that Baldwin was involved in Goddard's voyage, which also surprised you. Of course, I did not know all the details and projects at the time - there is no reason why I should have been told, but after much searching of my memory, that is the way I think it happened: Baldwin found out that Goddard was coming to Cannes, and tried to make use of him.' In concluding Rogers writes 'The best of luck, and I hope the book will be a great success. Our love to you, and our very best respects to the Duke'. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Rogers to the Duchess of Windsor at the Waldorf Towers in New York. VG

Herman Rogers was a long standing friend of both the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Indeed, it was at the Cannes villa of Rogers and his wife, Katherine, that the Duchess stayed whilst the Abdication crisis involving King Edward VIII reached its peak in England.

John Theodore Goddard (1878-1952) English Solicitor appointed by Wallis Simpson as an adviser during her divorce proceedings and in relation to her involvement during the Abdication Crisis of 1936.

Stanley Baldwin (1867-1947) British Prime Minister 1923-24, 1924- 29 & 1935-37.

The present letter dates from the time when the Duchess of Windsor was writing her autobiography The Heart Has Its Reasons, which was published in 1956.