Luiz Martins de Souza Dantas, the Brazilian Oscar Schindler, writes a mysterious letter.
Handwritten letter from Luiz Martins de Souza Dantas, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs' letterhead.
One page.
In Portuguese.
+/- 12 x 18 cm.
No information about the date (1920s or 1930s) and location (probably Rio de Janeiro).
Excellent condition of conservation.
Unique piece.
Luiz Martins de Souza Dantas (1876-1954) was a notable Brazilian diplomat who worked in the Office of the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs and held important positions in Brazilian diplomacy throughout his career. During his career, in addition to France, Souza Dantas served in other countries, such as Italy, Argentina, and Switzerland, contributing significantly to Brazilian diplomacy.
He is best known for his actions during World War II, when, as Brazil's ambassador in Paris, he helped save the lives of hundreds of Jews and those persecuted by the Nazi regime by defiantly issuing diplomatic visas, often in violation of the guidelines of the Getúlio Vargas government. Such actions led to his being posthumously recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, Yad Vashem, one of the highest honors bestowed on non-Jews who helped save lives during the Holocaust.
This letter is difficult to transcribe, something that sometimes happens because the handwriting of its authors is difficult to read. However, there are occasions when a personality has such great historical importance, and their writings are so rare, that having a document from this person – even if partially incomprehensible – still allows us to feel “something” about them, enter into their life and perpetuate their memory. This is the case of this letter, which we have decided to acquire for you. Souza Dantas is remembered for his courage and humanity as an ambassador, especially during one of the darkest periods of the 20th century.
