[BRITISH-SOVIET ALLIANCE]: TEMPLE WILLIAM (1881-1944) English Anglican priest, Archbishop of Canterbury 1942-44. Small collection of three World War II date T.Ls.S., William Cantuar, as Archbishop of Canterbury, three pages (total), 8vo and small 4to (1), Lambeth Palace, London, June 1942 - May 1943, one to the Organising Secretary of the British-Soviet Alliance Anniversary and two to Mrs. Rothman. The Archbishop writes on various matters regarding Russia, in part, 'I am deeply interested to hear of the Demonstration and Pageant to be held on June 20. It will now celebrate not only the first alliance between this country and Russia, but the treaty published this morning. I trust that our two nations may grow in mutual understanding and appreciation and work together in cordial goodwill for victory in the war….' (12^th June 1942), '….I felt obliged to consult the Dean of Canterbury [Hewlett Johnson] about this scheme, because I was puzzled by it and its relation to the big drive lately conducted for the Red Cross in Russia. But the Dean has quite satisfied me…..' (5^th November 1942), 'Just after my Secretary had sent the letter of to-day's date I heard from M. Maisky and am now very glad to give you my name as one of the sponsors of the scheme for re-building the Hospital in Stalingrad' (20^th May 1943). A small staple hole to the upper left corner of the first letter and a few very minor, light creases, otherwise VG, 3

 

Hewlett Johnson (1874-1966) English priest of the Church of England, Marxist Theorist and Stalinist who served as Dean of Canterbury from 1931-63, at which time he acquired the nickname 'The Red Dean of Canterbury' due to his unyielding support towards Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union.

 

Ivan Maisky (1884-1975) Soviet diplomat who served as the Soviet Union's Ambassador to the United Kingdom 1932-43.