“I do not want to exploit my name in any way or allow it to be exploited”

• Handwritten letter from Santos Dumont to Tissandier.
• One page.
• In French.
• 22.2 cm x 28.2 cm.
• November 7, 1927.
• Spain.
• Perfect condition of conservation.
• Unique piece.
  

French transcription

Cher Tissandier

Oui, Besançon m'a déjà écrit et aussi un des Ministres du Gouvernement du Brésil m'a déjà avant lui télégraphié faisant la même demande. Bien understand, je ne pouvais la lui refuser et j'ai déjà dit à Besançon le précédent étant ouvert et moi ne voulant d´aucune manière exploiter mon nom ni qu´on ne l'exploite non plus ; c'est avec grand plaisir et honneur que je donne la permission à Latecoere. Je pars ici pour une dizaine de jours et après à Paris.

Hommages to Madame Tissandier.

Good souvenir from l´ami Santos Dumont.

Arrangement
Bracamonte Cliff

Spain 7.11.27

Portuguese translation

Dear Tissandier,

Yes, Besançon has already written to me, and one of the Ministers of the Brazilian Government had already telegraphed me before him, making the same request. Of course I could not refuse, and I have already told Besançon that, since the precedent has been set, and I do not wish in any way to exploit my name or allow it to be exploited, it is with great pleasure and honor that I give permission to Latecoere. I will leave here for about ten days and then go to Paris.

Greetings to Madame Tissandier.
Good memories of your friend,

Santos Dumont.

Arrangement
Bracamonte Cliff

Spain, 7.11.27

In 1927, Santos Dumont was a world-renowned figure for his aviation exploits. He lived far from the big cities, especially in Spain, which perhaps reflected a desire to distance himself from the hustle and bustle associated with his fame and his declining health.

In this letter, Besançon - perhaps Georges? Another aviation pioneer who also directed the magazine L'Aérophile - as well as a Brazilian government minister, ask Santos Dumont for permission, probably related to the use of his name or his inventions. This letter shows that, despite his reluctance to exploit his name for commercial or other purposes, Santos Dumont feels honored and agrees to grant this permission to Latécoère, Pierre-Gorges or his brother, two important French figures in these early days of aviation. I do not know more details at the moment, but we are conducting inquiries with other enthusiasts.

This letter is important because it allows us to learn a little more about Santos Dumont, especially his state of mind at the end of his life, as well as his relationships with other pioneers of those first decades of aviation. He was appreciated, admired and consulted by most of these men, French and from other countries, because he was an accessible and generous man. This “Spanish” letter is the only one I have seen in 15 years of research on Santos Dumont.