Clement Attlee | 'A Tour of the United States of America', scrapbook presented by Harry S. Truman, 1959

Clement Attlee

A Tour of the United State of America [...] 1959

album containing photographs and press cuttings relating to Attlee's American visit of February and March 1959, presented to Attlee by President Harry S. Truman, inscribed by him ("To my good friend Lord Attlee, with kindest regards and highest admiration for his public service and his contribution to the peace of the world. Harry Truman. Independence, Missouri October 28, 1959"), 54 pages, plus blanks, folio (410 x 300mm), green faux leather gilt, gilt facsimile lettering on upper cover ("To my good friend Lord Attlee, with admiration and respect from Harry Truman March 5th 1959"), adhesive failing so many cuttings now loose, some leaves chipped at edges 

A RECORD OF THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN ATTLEE AND TRUMAN. Attlee, who had retired from the Commons and as leader of the Labour Party after his election defeat in 1955, was now sitting in the House of Lords as Earl Attlee. In early 1959 he undertook a lecture tour of American campuses. He spoke on the future of Europe, emphasised diversity as being the great strength of democracy, and advised pragmatism in dealings with the USSR and Communist China. A highlight of his tour was a meeting with President Truman in Kansas City on 5 March, and the warmth of the inscription reveals the depth of feeling between these two unassuming men who had led their countries through the opening years of the Cold War. 

For Clement Attlee, see also lots 291, 293, 315, 316, 348, and 375.