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Lot 267
MacArthur's Proclamation to the People of the Philippines - Only Known Signed Copy. Typed document signed "Douglas MacArthur" as Commander-in-Chief of the Southwest Pacific Area, on "General Headquarters Southwest Pacific Area Office of the Commander-In-Chief" letterhead, 1 page, 10¼ x 8". Stamped "TOP SECRET," this is MacArthur's "PROCLAMATION TO THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES. It says, in full:
"I have returned. By the grace of Almighty God our forces stand again on Philippine soil - soil consecrated in the blood of our two peoples. We have come, dedicated and committed, to the task of destroying every vestige of enemy control over your daily lives, and of restoring, upon a foundation of indestructible strength, the liberties of your people.
At my side is your President, Sergio Osmena, worthy successor of that great patriot, Manuel Quezon, with members of his cabinet. The seat of your government is now therefore firmly re-established on Philippine soil.
The hour of your redemption is here. Your patriots have demonstrated an unswerving and resolute devotion to the principles of freedom that challenges the best that is written on the pages of human history. I now call upon your supreme effort that the enemy may know from the temper of an aroused and outraged people within that he has a force there to contend with no less violent than is the force committed from without.
Rally to me. Let the indomitable spirit of Bataan and Corregidor lead on. As the lines of battle roll forward to bring you within the zone of operations, rise and strike. Strike at every favorable opportunity. For your homes and hearths, strike! For future generations of your sons and daughters, strike! In the name of your sacred dead, strike! Let no heart be faint. Let every arm be steeled. The guidance of divine God points the way. Follow in His Name to the Holy Grail of righteous victory! Douglas MacArthur."
Boldly signed in black ink. Two rusty paper clip marks at top, three small remnants from a previous pasting in left margin and one small edge tear. This is the only known signed copy of MacArthur's Proclamation to the People of the Philippines. Accompanied by an 8 x 10" U.S. Army photograph, identified on the back as "Gerneral Douglas MacArthur making the speech in which he turned over the Philippine Government to President Osmena at Tacloban, Leyte Island, P.I. 10/23/44."
Upon orders from President Roosevelt, MacArthur was evacuated from the Philippines in March 1942 and given command of Allied forces in the Southwest Pacific area. He successfully defended southeastern New Guinea, and began the counteroffensive against the Japanese that would lead to his return to the Philippines in October 1944 with the invasion of Leyte. MacArthur was promoted to General of the Army shortly before the end of 1944, and subsequently oversaw the liberation of the rest of the Philippines. He presided over the formal surrender ceremonies of the Japanese on September 2, 1945, aboard the battleship USS Missouri.
This is one of the most historically important World War II documents ever to appear on the market. An icon of American history!.
Estimated Value $50,000 - 60,000.
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| Realized $57,500 |
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