Description

Description: This small archive comes from the files of writer/editor Henry Hart. There are five letters, a lecture flyer, a periodical (The Commonweal, May 7, 1937) and a program for an event sponsored by the Medical Bureau to Aid Spanish Democracy. These items capture the conflicting views of the American intellectuals who were deeply concerned about Spanish democracy, the Spanish Civil war and the accompanying atrocities. The first letter (1931) from Sir Ramón de la Sota, a pioneer Basque industrialist, establishes Henry Hart’s interest in the Basque Nationalist movement. The other correspondence introduces Hart as a special correspondent to the Presidente Jose Antonio Aguirre of the Provisional Government of Basque Country during the period of the Spanish Civil War. One compelling letter (1937) specifically draws Hart’s attention to the food shortage in the Basque country. On American soil, some concerned citizens held fundraisers (Spanish Fiesta) and talks to aid the fight for Spanish democracy, others were scathing about the liberal press  (The Commonweal 1937).

Henry Hart’s sympathies for the Basque Nation is clearly established in the letter Sir Ramón de la Sota– a Basque lawyer and industrialist– writes on Sept 1, 1931: “Knowing that you have interested yourself in the Basque cause of which we know you are a loyal friend, we would very much desire to be able to have an interview with you as soon as possible. Your advice and guidance we believe will be of great value. On behalf of the Basque delegation. Yours sincerely, Ramón de la Sota.” Autograph letter signed and written in English on white, 9” x 6” letterhead of Hotel New Weston, NY.

The other three letters reflect Hart’s involvement in the Basque cause. A Delegation Official for the Gobierno de Euzkadi (Basque Country) in Paris introduces Henry Gideon Hart to Jose Antonio Aguirre, the first President of the Basque Country, as the editor of The New York Post, Philadelphia Record, and the New Republics, as well as, someone concerned about the problems facing the Basques (Feb 6, 1937). Typed letter signed in Spanish on 8″x 11” “Gobierno de Euzkadi (Pais Vasco)” letterhead. The signature of the official “F. ___” is indecipherable. Accompanying envelope is addressed to Henry Gideon Hart.

Louis Arquistáin, the ambassador to France, also introduces Henry Hart to Jose Antonio Aguirre as the journalist who was interested in the newly formed government (Feb 11, 1937) in a two-page typed letter signed in Spanish on 8 ½” x 6 ½” “Embajada de Espana en Paris” letterhead (includes transmittal envelope).

Justo de Zubizarreto, a delegation official in Paris, writes to Henry Hart about the “food shortage in Bilbao” and about Basques having “to beg the help of the good minded people of all countries. Our motherland is now suffering a tremendous ordeal. . .” and hopes that Hart will send “circular[s] to any personalities or associations that may be able to do something. . .” (Apr 24, 1937). Typed letter signed and typed in English on 11” x 8” “Gobierno de Euzkadi (Pays Basque)” letterhead (includes transmittal envelope).

Also included are three other correspondences from various agencies in Paris–a telegram (in English), two notes in Spanish regarding Hart’s identity–all relating to his impending meeting with the President.

The remaining correspondence seems to be set in motion by the pro-Franco article in The Commonweal. Being “defensively Catholic,” Michael Williams (the founder of the review) writes in favor of a pro-Franco State. The Commonweal (1937) article expresses concern over the gullibility of the democratic-minded Americans to the propaganda of the “communist” press, such as the Nation and The New Republic. The writer’s congress group that includes Henry Hart challenged such claims (“What is the The Troy Record  Afraid of?” May 18, 1937). A letter from Tom Daly (June 18) acknowledges Henry Hart’s response to the accusations: “You beat me to that little Commonweal thing. I haven’t seen it yet. Well, I need to get it out of my system.”

Signed and written on 11” x 8” ivory The Evening Bulletin letterhead.  Item #AM00377

Henry Hart was an American writer (Dr. Barnes of Merion, 1963) and publisher who worked as Publicity Director for Scribner’s Sons, Editor-in-chief of Putnam’s Sons, an Associate Editor of Time and Fortune, the founding member and first editor of Films in Review and a founding member of Equinox Cooperative Press. He edited the American Writer’s Congress (1935) and was responsible for the English-translation publications of Thomas Mann’s works.

Sir Ramón de la Sota, Marquis de Llano, (1857-1936) was a Basque lawyer, an industrialist. and a major sponsor of the Basque Nationalist Party. He was knighted by King George V.

Jose Antonio Aguirre (1904-1960) was the first President of the Provisional Government of the Basque country and its executive defense advisor during the Spanish Civil War. He fled into exile after Franco’s rise to power.

Louis Arquistáin (1886-1959), a Spanish politician and writer, served as the ambassador to Germany and to France.

Condition: Mailing fold lines. Writing is legible and letters are generally in very good condition. The program is soiled and chipped.