Typed Note Signed / Unsigned Press Release.
This legislator's Atomic Energy Act of 1946 became known as the McMahon Act, and established him as a crucial figure in the development of the Atomic Energy Commission and an important advocate of atomic energy; a politician and attorney, he was elected senator from Connecticut as a Democrat in 1945, serving until his death in 1952 from cancer, which cut short his just-announced presidential bid. Item #40653
TNS, 1p, 8" X 10½", Washington, DC, 1951 June 7. Addressed to Arnold Gates (1914-93), a noted Lincoln and Civil War scholar. Near fine. Single staple hole at top center. On "Congress of the United States" letterhead, McMahon thanks Gates and transmits "a copy of my Memorial Day speech in accordance with your request." Large, bold signature in blue ink. The mentioned speech is included, 4pp, 8½" X 14", staple at upper left. Very good. Lightly age toned. Blue mimeographed single-spaced transcript, not signed, titled "ADDRESS OF SENATOR McMAHON AT MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES, / HYDE PARK, NEW YORK, ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1945" and also noting "From the office of / Senator Brien McMahon of Connecticut," this is a rousing, flag-waving speech focused largely on Franklin D. Roosevelt and his heroic role in World War Two, leading into a discussion of the post-WW2 world, the Soviet Union, Stalin and the Cold War -- even bringing in the atomic energy for which McMahon is remembered near its close: "We face an agonizing struggle in this age of atom bombs and raiding airplanes and guided missiles. But we must not falter and we must not despair...." A fine memento, scarce in its own right. Also accompanied by a First Day Cover for the 1962 "Atomic Energy Act Peaceful Uses" 4-cent stamp featuring a head-and-shoulders portrait of McMahon, 6½" X 3½", cancelled in Norwalk, Connecticut on 28 July 1962 with "First Day of Issue" noted. At left is a large steel-engraved cachet depicting McMahon and noting his atomic energy accomplishments. Typed recipient address is that of Ralph G. Newman (1912-2000), founder of Chicago's noted Abraham Lincoln Book Shop. Lastly, a superb glossy 7" X 9" black and white news agency photograph (International News Photos) is also included -- handsome candid shot of McMahon seated, perusing a large open book in his lap with pen in hand. Original mimeographed paper label neatly affixed to verso dates this 25 March 1950 and titles it "Learning Who Formulated Post-War Policies," explaining: "Senator Brien McMahon, of Connecticut, member of the Senate subcommittee investigating charges of communist infiltration in the State Department, is reading 'Post-War Foreign Policy Preparations,' a document describing methods and personnel involved in formulation of State Department policy between the years 1939 and 1945. It was made public by the State Department today, and it disclosed that Alger Hiss, Julian Wadleigh and other diplomatic officials accused of dealings with Russian agents played an important role in the wartime planning of America's post-war policies...."
Price: $150.00