291 - BALBO, Italo (1896–1940), Italian aviator and minister.

BALBO, Italo (1896–1940), Italian aviator and minister. L.S., Tripoli, November 10, 1937, to Gabrielle GILLET-MERMOZ; 1 typewritten page, quarto size, on letterhead reading “Il Maresciallo dell’Aria Governatore della Libia”; in Italian (translation enclosed). He would preserve “with the utmost care” the memento she had sent him: “Mermoz was one of my dearest friends. I had deep admiration for him, and between us a lasting bond of sincere and affectionate camaraderie had developed. We had come to regard each other as two good brothers. I will never forget him as the years go by. Mermoz’s passing has left a void that, without a doubt, cannot be filled in the world of aviation—first because of his indisputable and great valor and heroism, but above all because of the faith and enthusiasm he exuded for the art of aviation. Jean Mermoz remains a symbol of pride and glory for all aviators”… Enclosed are: – the telegram of tribute and condolences from Marshal Balbo upon Mermoz’s death, Tripoli, December 15, 1936, praising “his great merit as a pioneer, pilot, navigator, and man”; he remains “an example to all aviators”; – and a letter from the Italian chargé d’affaires, Renato Prunas, Paris, January 26, 1938, to Mrs. Gillet-Mermoz (1 p., in-4), thanking her for the medals commemorating “your Beloved Deceased” that she presented to the Duce and Marshal Balbo, who were deeply moved by them. Provenance: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down through the family