Beschreibung:

ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. Typed letter signed ("Franklin D. Rooselvelt") as Governor of New York, TO CORDELL HULL (1871-1955), Albany, New York, 30 August 1932. 1 page, large 4to, on Executive Mansion stationery, fine. ROOSEVELT RECRUITS HIS FUTURE SECRETARY OF STATE. In the last months of his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, Roosevelt enlists the help of the Tennessee Senator: "Between now and the end of the campaign a good many matters for immediate decision will arise--matters relating to issues and policies of various kinds--and I am asking a small group to hold themselves in readiness for consultation," not a formal committee, but merely "a few people whose judgement I value." He adds that a long-time friend, Professor Moley of Columbia University, will head the group, and emphasizes that it will have "nothing to do with those who are engaged in the strictly political management of the campaign," but is rather more personal. It "would help me in a very practical sense if you would give me your thoughts on matters from time to time...." As President, Roosevelt nominated Hull for Secretary of State, a position which Hull held for eleven and a half years. During that time, though, Hull--a Wilsonian by temperment--wielded relatively little influence over the President. Nevertheless, he negotiated the Lend-Lease treaty with England, laid the foundations for the United Nations at the Dumbarton Oaks Conference in 1944, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945.