L. Trotsky ALS Worries about French Communists "There are traits of gangsterism in this group"

2pp, measuring 7.25" x 11", Coyoacan, Mexico, dated April 4, 1939. Signed by Trotsky "Bien a vous L. Trotsky" with an additional signature following the postscript "L.T." Typed in French and addressed to "Comrade Gerard", Trotsky enquires about his grandson's safety in relation to the French Communist Party. With flattened mail folds and a slightly rough upper edge. Light toning throughout. Boldly signed. A translation reads in part:

"…I am a little worried about Molinier's [leader of the French Communist Party] threats. There are traits of gangsterism in this group and with its chief. You must personally take precautions. The same for the small boy before he leaves the country…Each week delayed is dangerous. In these conditions the best solution would be Natalia's trip to France. She could personally approach the small boy before he goes into a new house. I do not think the French authorities opposition is serious. Natalia would have a Mexican passport and come back at any time…I think that your forceful intervention at the Quai d'Orsay, foreigner services, could be decisive and would resolve the matter…" In his postscript, he goes on to provide financial accounts during his stay in Norway and Mexico.

This letter is a rare example of Trotsky voicing his concerns for his family's safety due to political affiliations. After Lenin's death, Leon Trotsky (1879-1940) lost to Joseph Stalin as the new leader of the Communist Party and was thrown out in 1927. Consequently, he and his family faced both internal and foreign exile. Trotsky finally settled in Mexico in 1936, and at the time of this letter, he was attempting to gain custody of his grandson, Esteban Volkov, following the death of his daughter, Zinaida Volkova. The young Esteban, only twelve at the time, had been living in France with Lev Sedov (Trotsky's son by his second wife) and his girlfriend, Jeanne Martin. Trotsky sued for custody and won the case, but Martin then went into hiding with the young boy. It would be several months before Martin and Esteban were found, but Esteban was eventually sent to Coyoacán, Mexico to live with Trotsky and his wife in early August 1939. Tragically, the reunion was short-lived. On August 20, 1940, Trotsky was assassinated by Stalin's agent, Ramón Mercader.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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