With Sikorski to Russia.
London: The Curwen Press, 1942. 8vo. Limited edition. One of 300 copies for private circulation. Paperback original. Covers tanned and a little marked and rubbed. Inscribed to the top edge of the front cover. Very good +. Item #7490
This copy was presented 'To Pamela & Reggie. When shall I see you? Victor'. The book is an account of Sikorski's trip to Russia in 1941-2 to see how the Polish-Soviet Agreement was working. The author travelled as Churchill's Political Liaison Officer.
Colonel Victor Alexander Cazalet, MC (1896–1943) was a Conservative Party Member of Parliament for nineteen years. The Cazalets had long connections with Russia where they were merchants in St. Petersburg for several generations until 1917. In his political career, he was a noted authority on international affairs and was a veteran of World War I. He became the liaison officer with General Sikorski after the outbreak of World War II. As an M.P., he was a member of the Anglo-Polish committee formed in 1941. He promoted strong military ties with the United States before and during the war and was an outspoken advocate for creating a Jewish homeland in Palestine. He became godfather to actress Elizabeth Taylor after developing a friendship with her family.
His introduction contains the following passage: 'I should like to add here a word about General Sikorski, Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Forces. The trip was a complete success for him and for the Polish cause. [...] When Poland is restored - as it will be - every Pole will owe Sikorski a debt of gratitude for his courage and statesmanship in these eventful days and particularly for what he accomplished during his recent journey to Russia.' The account opens in Gibraltar. 'What is not so satisfactory is the aerodrome which consists of a narrow strip of territory between the foot of the rock and the Spanish frontier.' Cazalet and Sikorski died in a plane taking off from Gibraltar in July 1943.
Price: £350.00