279 - René COUZINET (1904–1956).

René COUZINET (1904–1956). Letter on the author’s stationery, Levallois, January 18, 1936, to Jean MERMOZ; 2 pages, in-4 format, on his “Avions René Couzinet” letterhead. He thanks him for his letter from Casablanca, which touched him deeply. He sends him his best wishes for the coming year (which would be the year of Mermoz’s death in a plane crash). “I would like to see you happy, and I know how difficult that is for a soul like yours. And yet this immanent justice—in which I know you believe as I do—will eventually manifest itself fully by removing from your path the petty obstacles—all too common, alas!—that are thrown in your way simply because you see clearly, broadly, and far ahead. Like you, I am certain that we must ‘believe and hope’”… Then he scolds him a little: “I have never […] doubted for a single moment either your understanding, your trust, or your feelings toward me. I know all too well that, for you, friendship is delicate and thoughtful, and that once established, it withstands all attacks. Ours was forged on a battlefield that was yours, my dear Jean, long before it became, to some extent, mine as well. […] The ideals of our two lives will surely converge and complement each other once again one day—a day I now hope is near”… Provenance: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down through the family