![WILSON, Woodrow. Autograph draft letter signed ("Woodrow Wilson") as President, a telegraphic message to the King of Italy [Vittorio Emmanuelle III], Washington, D. C. [4 November 1918]. 1 page, 8vo, White House stationery, age-toned, small chip to right corner. Contemporary notation in pencil at top left corner: "For State for transmission 11/4/18."](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2006/NYR/2006_NYR_01720_0136_000(010314).jpg?w=1)
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WILSON, Woodrow. Autograph draft letter signed ("Woodrow Wilson") as President, a telegraphic message to the King of Italy [Vittorio Emmanuelle III], Washington, D. C. [4 November 1918]. 1 page, 8vo, White House stationery, age-toned, small chip to right corner. Contemporary notation in pencil at top left corner: "For State for transmission 11/4/18."
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE KING OF ITALY: "THE SOIL OF ITALY IS DELIVERED FROM HER ENEMIES
Just one week before the armistice that brought World War I to an end, President Wilson drafts a congratulatory telegraph message to the Italian monarch, celebrating the defeat of Austro-Hungaria troops the day before: "May I not," Wilson says, "say how deeply and sincerely the people of the United States rejoice that the soil of Italy is delivered from her enemies. In their name I send your Majesty and the great Italian people the most enthusiastic congratulations."
Italy, an ally of Britain, France, and the United States in the Great War, fought against Austro-Hungarian forces, mainly in its northern territory for much of 1915-1917. With Russia's exit from the war after the Bolshevik Revolution, Germany was able to pour in its troops. They were countered by French and British troops in November 1917, and the Germans pulled out completely when they needed reinforcements for their great March 1918 offensive on the western front. The Italians won a decisive victory in the battle of Vittorio Veneto, capturing some 300,000 prisoners, on 3 November 1918. The following day Austria-Hungary and Italy signed an armistice, prompting Wilson to draft this congratulatory message to King Victor Emmanuel.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE KING OF ITALY: "THE SOIL OF ITALY IS DELIVERED FROM HER ENEMIES
Just one week before the armistice that brought World War I to an end, President Wilson drafts a congratulatory telegraph message to the Italian monarch, celebrating the defeat of Austro-Hungaria troops the day before: "May I not," Wilson says, "say how deeply and sincerely the people of the United States rejoice that the soil of Italy is delivered from her enemies. In their name I send your Majesty and the great Italian people the most enthusiastic congratulations."
Italy, an ally of Britain, France, and the United States in the Great War, fought against Austro-Hungarian forces, mainly in its northern territory for much of 1915-1917. With Russia's exit from the war after the Bolshevik Revolution, Germany was able to pour in its troops. They were countered by French and British troops in November 1917, and the Germans pulled out completely when they needed reinforcements for their great March 1918 offensive on the western front. The Italians won a decisive victory in the battle of Vittorio Veneto, capturing some 300,000 prisoners, on 3 November 1918. The following day Austria-Hungary and Italy signed an armistice, prompting Wilson to draft this congratulatory message to King Victor Emmanuel.