Historic diplomatic letter from China’s Mao Zedong to go under the hammer in London

A rare and historic letter signed by Mao Zedong engaging in diplomacy with the West could fetch almost HK$2 million when it goes up for auction in a fortnight at Sotheby’s in London.

In a letter dated November 1 1937, penned soon after the full-scale Japanese invasion of China, the Communist Party leader urged then British Labour Party leader and future prime minister Clement Attlee and “the goodwill” of Britain to “support” the fight against imperialism.

The letter is believed to be one of the first communications by Mao with Western politicians and only the second to be placed up for auction in recent decades.

“We would ask you especially to lend the support of your Party to any measures of practical assistance to China that may be organised in Great Britain,” said Mao, in a typed and translated English version of the letter.

“We believe that the British people, when they know the truth about Japanese aggression in China, will rise in support of the Chinese people, will organise practical assistance on their behalf, and will compel their own Government to adopt a policy of active resistance to a danger that ultimately threatens them no less than ourselves.”

Sotheby’s has placed an initial estimate of £100,000 to £150,000 (HK$1.2 to HK$1.7 million) on the letter’s sale price.