![EINSTEIN, Albert (1879-1955). Autograph letter signed ('Albert Einstein') [to the Comité Français pour la Protection des intellectuels juifs persécutés], last page only, a statement of support for the principle of freedom of conscience, Le Coq [sur Mer, Belgium], 26 April 1933, one page, 4to, mounted, later boards. Provenance. Lot 6 in a sale for the benefit of the Comité Français pour la Protection des intellectuel juifs persécutés, Drouot, 14 June 1934.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2000/CKS/2000_CKS_06298_0013_000(011247).jpg?w=1)
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EINSTEIN, Albert (1879-1955). Autograph letter signed ('Albert Einstein') [to the Comité Français pour la Protection des intellectuels juifs persécutés], last page only, a statement of support for the principle of freedom of conscience, Le Coq [sur Mer, Belgium], 26 April 1933, one page, 4to, mounted, later boards. Provenance. Lot 6 in a sale for the benefit of the Comité Français pour la Protection des intellectuel juifs persécutés, Drouot, 14 June 1934.
In the month in which he was declared an enemy of the state in Germany, and his property confiscated, Einstein writes in support of freedom and tolerance. He regrets that he cannot accept an invitation to the Comité's conference as he is committed to making a scientific lecture in Brussels; he nevertheless takes the opportunity of expressing his deep sympathy with those who set aside political differences to support the principles of freedom and tolerance and freedom of belief and opinion - 'das wichtigste Fundament unserer Kultur' (the most important foundation of our culture). 'Without an atmosphere of spiritual freedom and tolerance none of us can imagine a life which would be worth living. This is equally true for us all, whether Jews, Catholics, Freethinkers, or adherents of any other political or social doctrine'.
Einstein had left his home in Berlin in the winter of 1932 to spend several months in the Californian Institute of Technology. The Nazi seizure of power during his absence led to his announcement on 10 March that he would not be returning to Germany; the regime responded by posting a reward for his capture on 1 April 1933, and confiscating his property in Germany. Einstein remained in prominent exile in Belgium until September 1933, when security risks arising from his proximity to Germany led to a retreat to England, and ultimately the United States.
In the month in which he was declared an enemy of the state in Germany, and his property confiscated, Einstein writes in support of freedom and tolerance. He regrets that he cannot accept an invitation to the Comité's conference as he is committed to making a scientific lecture in Brussels; he nevertheless takes the opportunity of expressing his deep sympathy with those who set aside political differences to support the principles of freedom and tolerance and freedom of belief and opinion - 'das wichtigste Fundament unserer Kultur' (the most important foundation of our culture). 'Without an atmosphere of spiritual freedom and tolerance none of us can imagine a life which would be worth living. This is equally true for us all, whether Jews, Catholics, Freethinkers, or adherents of any other political or social doctrine'.
Einstein had left his home in Berlin in the winter of 1932 to spend several months in the Californian Institute of Technology. The Nazi seizure of power during his absence led to his announcement on 10 March that he would not be returning to Germany; the regime responded by posting a reward for his capture on 1 April 1933, and confiscating his property in Germany. Einstein remained in prominent exile in Belgium until September 1933, when security risks arising from his proximity to Germany led to a retreat to England, and ultimately the United States.
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