SARRAUT (Albert). - Lot 287

SARRAUT (Albert). [MINISTRY OF COLONIES]. SARRAUT (Albert). 1872–1962. French statesman, who served several times as a minister and as Prime Minister. 2 typewritten letters signed “A. Sarraut,” in his capacity as Minister of the Colonies, addressed to Gaston Doumergue. Paris, March 15, 1922, and August 4, 1923. 2 folio-sized pages, on printed letterhead of the Ministry of the Colonies—Minister’s Office. A fine set of two official letters signed by Albert Sarraut, then Minister of the Colonies, addressed to Gaston Doumergue, future President of the Republic (1924–1931), who was then President of the Senate. These documents, on official paper of the French Republic, concern the recommendation of Mr. Halliot—representative and later director of the Franco-Ethiopian Railway Company from Djibouti to Addis Ababa—for the award of the Officer’s Cross of the Legion of Honor. Sarraut acknowledged receipt of Doumergue’s letter and replied with the administrative courtesy characteristic of the Third Republic: “I have taken note of your recommendation” and adds: “I shall certainly […] examine Mr. Halliot’s qualifications for the distinction you are requesting on his behalf with the utmost favor” The letter, dated August 4, 1923, specifies that this distinction could be considered on the occasion of the National Colonial Exhibition in Marseille, a context particularly significant for French imperial policy at the time. This collection is notable for bringing together two major political figures of the Third Republic: - Albert Sarraut, a leading figure in French colonial policy - Gaston Doumergue, future President of the Republic These documents perfectly illustrate the mechanisms of recommendation, official decorations, and the networks of influence surrounding the French colonial administration and major railway projects in East Africa. The handwritten courtesy notes in the margins (“with my warmest regards,” etc.) reinforce the personal nature of these official exchanges. A very beautiful presentation set.