Fantastic Naval Dispatch, "Execute WPL 46 Against Germany and Italy in Addition to Japan", Ex. Forbes.

Single page typed Naval dispatch, 8" x 6.5", with two punch holes along top edge. Header of U.S.S. Biscayne, Incoming, from the Secretary of Navy "SecNav". Dated "11 Dec 1941". Fine condition. Ex. The Forbes Collection. Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990), American owner-publisher of Forbes magazine, and consummate collector, amassed one of the most substantial and broad collections of such breadth and depth that it filled a half-dozen residences, and sat on three continents. Many of his manuscripts were sold in Multi-million dollar sales By Christie's in the early 2000’s. The Forbes name is considered to be the apex of provenance when attached to an item like the above. We are honored to have been chosen by the family to sell at auction the substantial balance of the collection.

On December 11, 1941, four days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States declaration of war against the Japanese Empire, Nazi Germany declared war against the United States, in response to what was claimed to be a series of provocations by the United States government when the US was still officially neutral during World War II. The decision to declare war was made by Adolf Hitler, apparently offhand, almost without consultation. Later that day, the United States declared war on Germany. This important official naval dispatch marks that moment in US History, transmitting the news that Germany officially declared war on the United States:

"EXECUTE WPL 46 AGAINST GERMANY AND ITALY IN ADDITION TO JAPAN NAVAL ATTACHES ADVISE NAVAL AUTHORITIES …"

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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