Roosevelt Franklin
Franklin D. Roosevelt Writes to Former Law Partner about Japanese Art Collection

"with the many current demands that must be met, it does not seem that funds for this undertaking can be provided at present."

Alexander G. Moslé (1862-1949) was a German businessman who worked in Japan from 1884 to 1907. He developed a strong interest in Japanese swords and developed one of the most important collections of Japanese swords, sword fittings, armor, textiles, paintings, ceramics, musical instruments, and other Japanese art in the world. It eventually numbered more than 2,200 pieces. He brought his collection to the United States in the 1920s and began trying to disperse it, principally among public institutions, but with only limited success, as this letter makes clear.

Despite the interest of the Smithsonian Institution in the Moslé Collection, President Roosevelt could not justify the purchase price of $850,000, plus an additional $1,000,000 for a special building to house it. Ultimately, much of the Moslé Collection was sold at auction in New York in 1948, shortly before Moslé's death the following year.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, Typed Letter Signed, to Basil O'Connor, April 7, 1937. 1 p., 7" x 8.875", on "THE WHITE HOUSE" stationery. Expected fold; recipient stamp; very good.

Excerpts
"I find that the Alexander G. Moslé collection of Japanese objects of art...is well-known to the officials of the United States National Museum, who consider it one of the outstanding examples of its kind."

"Naturally the thought of having this valuable material in Washington is pleasing, but with the many current demands that must be met, it does not seem that funds for this undertaking can be provided at present. Under these circumstances, while the suggestion is appreciated, an examination of the collection in detail does not seem necessary at the present time."

Basil O'Connor (1892-1972) was born in Massachusetts and became a newsboy at age ten. He graduated from Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School. He was admitted to practice law in 1915. After working at other firms, he founded his own law firm in New York in 1919. A year later, he met Franklin D. Roosevelt, then candidate for Vice President, and became his legal adviser. In 1924, Roosevelt and O'Connor became partners in a law firm that existed until Roosevelt's inauguration in March 1933. O'Connor also played a key role beginning in 1927 in philanthropic work against polio as a predecessor to the March of Dimes Foundation. In 1934, O'Connor became the senior partner in the firm of O'Connor & Farber. President Roosevelt appointed O'Connor to the American Red Cross, of which O'Connor served as chairman (1944-1947) and president (1947-1949) without pay.

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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