DAVID BEN-GURION

DAVID BEN-GURION
(1886 - 1973) Israeli politician, proclaimed the independence of Israel in 1948, headed the provisional government, and was later the first Prime Minister. 'WE WILL NOT BUILD OUR FUTURE ON THE ARMY…' Outstanding content T.L.S. as Prime Minister and Defense Minister in Hebrew, 1p. 4to., Ha-Kiryah, Feb. 9, 1956, sent to a professor in Jerusalem, insisting upon the peaceful intentions ness of the Jewish state. In full: 'I have no intention of turning the future of the Jewish nation in its land, into being based on its sword. I will not make war into a Jewish subject. A war was forced upon us and we were compelled to fight for our independence and for the defense of our land--and we will fight as long as this type of danger to us is expected. But we will not build our future on the army. The future of Israel will be based only on fitness of work and production, on settling the villages and cities, on building factories and agriculture, on conquering science and technology, on developing art and literature, not to worry--the vision that we will bequeath to the youth will be in the spirit of the vision of the prophets of Israel.' Ben-Gurion signs in Hebrew at the conclusion in black ink. After a brief hiatus, Ben-Gurion returned as defense minister shortly before this letter was written, directing Israeli forces to respond more aggressively to increasing Palestinian guerrilla attacks from Gaza, then sponsored by Egypt. Beautifully double-matted with a portrait and an English translation, then framed to a total size of 24.5 x 14.5 in. Two file holes, very light mailing folds, else near mint condition.