115 - DENAIN, Victor (1880–1952), general; he served as Minister of Aviation

DENAIN, Victor (1880–1952), general; he served as Minister of Aviation 4 letters, 1927–1928, to Jean MERMOZ; 5½ pages, in-8 format, 3 on letterhead of the Presidency of the Republic (tears at the folds). Regarding Mermoz’s planned air raids. 1927. – March 4. He would like to be able to help Mermoz with his project, “but unfortunately there is little I can do since you are a civilian now”… – May 8. “I don’t think there’s anything that can be done for you on the military side. You seem to think that active-duty pilots are clinging to flights carried out with military aircraft. It is rather through aircraft manufacturers (aircraft or engines) that you would have a chance to attempt a flight, and I would gladly recommend you to Potez, Breguet, or Renault. […] Don’t you think it would be better, for the sake of your future, to simply continue your career as a commercial pilot, where you’re succeeding so admirably? Mr. Latécoère and Mr. de Massimy hold you in very high regard. The fame that a successful flight would bring you will not secure you a better position”… – Montigny-les-Metz, September 17. “I will be very happy to present you with the Cross of Knight of the Legion of Honor, which you have so richly earned through your military and civilian achievements”… – Paris, March 16, 1928. He is touched by this kind gesture… Enclosed is a handwritten New Year’s card (1925). Provenance: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down within the family