H istorical d ocument

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23. Typed letter signed (“D. Ben-Gurion”), 24 December 1955, to Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett, with carbon copy to Moshe Dayan. “I 
have no doubts in regards to General Haim Laskov’s credentials, ability, and suitability for the position of deputy Chief of Staff … his vast experience as a 
commander of British units and the Hebrew brigade will make him a great asset to the IDF…” 
24. Typed letter signed (“D. Ben-Gurion”), 31 March 1956, to the Editor of “Ha’aretz”. “Every nation under attack and especially us, is obligated to 
protect itself, self-defense is a holy responsibility, it is so inscribed in the Charter of the United Nations…” 
25. Typed letter signed (“D. Ben-Gurion”), 10 April 1956, to author S.Y. Agnon (later Nobel laureate). “Some seventy million Arabs live across 
our borders, and they extend to the Atlantic … Israel has a serious security problem with only two solutions: military preparedness and constant striving for 
peace, for war is a bankruptcy of diplomacy…” 
26. Typed letter signed (“D. Ben-Gurion”), 31 July 1957, to architect Richard Kaufman. “Your plans seem to me fundamental. I will find out from 
the Minister of Development the fate of Eilat.” 
27. Typed letter signed (“D. Ben-Gurion”), 9 January 1958, to Kahana and Mintz.“Your vote in the Knesset against the Government will not 
diminish the promise you were given about the schools, or any other matter. When I offered you what I offered on the political level – I did not associate it in 
any way with a financial reward…” 
28. Typed letter signed (“D. Ben-Gurion”), 10 May 1960, to the Presidium of the Knesset and Knesset Committee. “I do not know which of 
the two bodies is responsible for the arrangement that was made yesterday in the Knesset in remembrance of Herzl’s century anniversary … I see it my moral 
and public duty to express my deep disappointment of the arrangements made for the Memorial Day which did not add honor neither to the Knesset nor the 
memory of the seer of the Jewish State…” 
29. Autograph letter signed (“D. Ben-Gurion”), 2 November 1964, to a friend in Tel-Aviv. “The State will establish society solely and exclusively 
on the foundations of truth and justice and moral values. I will fight for disclosure of the truth. In this matter, I have no fear, even if they expel me from the 
Party, and I will fight with all of the means at my disposal…” 
30. Autograph letter signed (“D. Ben-Gurion”), 13 May 1968, to Naeim Giladi, Tel-Aviv. “I was not ‘forced to’ resign – not because of misunderstanding 
with those around me – but for my own personal reasons – in which no other motivation, person, or external event had any role. It is correct that the Prime 
Minister of Burma attempted, at my request, to speak with Nasser – but like all other attempts with Nasser – it was unsuccessful…” 
31. Autograph letter signed (“D. Ben-Gurion”), 25 February 1972, to Ari Kaplan, Haifa. “I always was in favor of changing the election system and 
my party accepted my suggestion … but later they reconsidered this decision. Now I’m not a member of any party and I’m not dealing with these matters 
anymore bit I haven’t changed my opinion…” 
32. (32) informal photographs of David Ben-Gurion ranging in size from 1.75 x 2.25 in to 7 x 9.5 in. (45 x 58 mm. to 178 x 241 mm.), 
(127) contact prints (1.3 x .9 in.; 33 x 23 mm.) on four proof sheets depicting photographs of Ben-Gurion taken 10-13 June 1969. Many 
extras included. Housed in a high quality album (11.5 x 12 in.; 292 x 305 mm.) An extraordinary assemblage from the primary founder 
and first Prime Minister of Israel. $30,000 - $50,000

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Profiles in History
   
Historical Document Auction 63
18. Ben-Gurion, David. Typed letter signed (“D. Ben-Gurion”) as 
Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, in Hebrew, 1 page (6.25 
x 7.75 in.; 128 x 196 mm.), on official State of Israel stationery, 
Jerusalem, Israel, 10 August 1956, to Eliezer Livne (1902-1975), 
member of Ben-Gurion’s Mapai party and served in the Knesset 
(1949-1955). Two file holes in blank right margin and folds; overall, 
fine condition.
While Ben-Gurion was planning an invasion of the Sinai, 
he would not give the reason behind the recent forced 
resignation of his Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett, which 
was to prevent Sharett from mobilizing cabinet votes that 
had blocked his previous proposals to capture the Gaza 
Strip or the Straits of Tiran.
There are things that at the moment have to remain secret during this 
crucial period concerning the State of Israel.
Ben-Gurion writes in full: I am still not supposed to tell all that has 
recently happened between me as Prime Minister and my comrade Sharett. 
Maybe I have something to tell of which I am not ashamed. I am honored to 
take full responsibility for Israel’s foreign policy. There are things that at the 
moment have to remain secret during this crucial period concerning the State 
of Israel. So therefore, I cannot say words that summarize the situation and 
I cannot answer – your question. D. Ben-Gurion
On 18 June 1956, “The New York Times” reported the “ouster” 
of Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett which gave Ben-Gurion “a 
tighter grip on his Government’s reins” replacing “an official who 
was cautious and temporizing and who occasionally put a brake 
on the Premier’s daring ideas.” Neil Caplan wrote, in The 1956 
Sinai Campaign … Selections from Moshe Sharett’s Diaries (“Israel 
Studies,” Vol. 7 No. 1, Spring 2002), “During 1955 and 1956 … 
Sharett mobilized cabinet votes that blocked Ben-Gurion’s proposals 
that the IDF capture [from Egypt] the Gaza Strip or the Straits of 
Tiran…” On 29 October 1956, Israeli military forces invaded Egypt 
“to eliminate the Egyptian fedayeen [commando squad] bases in the 
Sinai.” On Nov. 7th, Ben-Gurion announced the conclusion of the 
Sinai campaign adding that “we have returned to the place where 
the Torah was given” and that “the previous border with Egypt is 
now obsolete and Israel is willing to begin peace negotiations with 
Egypt.” $1,500 - $2,000
19. Ben-Gurion, David. Autograph letter signed (“D. Ben-
Gurion”), in English, 1 page (5 x 8.5 in.; 127 x 216 mm.), on his 
lined pad, perforated at the right, Tel-Aviv, 1 December 1964. To 
Mrs. Mark Gerald. Fine condition. In full: Dear Mrs. Gerald / I 
read your letter to Mr. Sharett, and I must confess I don’t agree with you. 
I am terribly sorry I cannot find the drawing you left with me in Hotel 
Sharon. Perhaps it is in Sdeh Boker; I am returning there next week, 
and if I find it there - it will be immediately sent you with my thanks. 
Yours, D. Ben-Gurion. The disagreement with Moshe Sharett was 
about who was responsible for what was called The Lavon Affair. 
The Lavon Affair refers to a failed Israeli covert operation, code 
named Operation Susannah, conducted in Egypt in the summer 
of 1954, so named after the Israeli Defense Minister, Pinhas Lavon. 
Ben-Gurion blamed him for the fiasco and forced his dismissal. 
Lavon was exonerated by the Israeli cabinet in 1960, but in 1964, 
Ben-Gurion claimed to have new evidence against Lavon and 
demanded the government reopen the investigation. Moshe 
Sharett defended Lavon and ultimately Ben-Gurion lost the battle 
and retired from government to live in relative obscurity.
Two Ben-Gurion handwritten letters in English, one 
expressing his disagreement with Moshe Sharett, most 
likely regarding the re-investigation of the Lavon Affair, 
the other expressing appreciation for a gift - a book on 
the History of Zionism.
Ben-Gurion, David. Autograph letter signed (“D. Ben-Gurion”), 
in English, 1 page (5 x 8.5 in.; 127 x 216 mm.), on his lined pad, 
perforated at the right, Sdeh Boker, 17 December 1970. To Dr. 
Celina Sokolow, London, England. Light paper clip rust stain in 
upper left. In full: Dearest Dr. Celina Sokolow I am most greatful for 
sending me your father’s History of Zionisme in one volum. This is the 
best book on the History of Zionism. It should be translated in to Hebrew. 
With the best wishes D. Ben-Gurion.
Nahum Sokolow (1859-1936) was a prolific author and translator. 
He was the first to translate Herzl’s utopian novel “Altneuland” 
(1902) into Hebrew, titling it “Tel Aviv,” literally, “An Ancient Hill 
of Spring.” In 1909, the name was chosen for the new suburb of 
Jaffa. Sokolow’s “History of Zionism: 1600-1918” was published in 
1919. Sokolow served as President of the World Zionist Congress 
from 1931-1935; Ben-Gurion was President from 1946-1956. 
Celina Sokolow (1886-1984) was her father’s secretary for many 
years. After serving in Israel’s Knesset since 14 February 1949, 
Ben-Gurion retired on 27 May 1970. $2,000 - $3,000

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