Albert Einstein. Pacifism? Yes, But Not at Any Price!

Albert Einstein. Pacifism? Yes, But Not at Any Price!

"There are situations that require surgical intervention, despite the fact that I generally denounce the use of knives ..."
Lengthy letter in which Einstein expresses his position regarding the British policy of appeasement and containment in regards to events in Europe on the eve of the Second World War and predicts the outbreak of war. 

[3] pages, paper. 17x13 cm. Autograph, signed with initials. Without date or location. German. English transcript included.

Content: Einstein writes to Karen Stampe Bendix, a Danish journalist who was friendly with the Einsteins. He encourages the journalist, who was then unemployed, and explained that the international economic crisis did not skip over any country. He suggests that she write about past events that relate to current developments. Einstein expresses his disappointment with Britain's weak reaction to German militancy and extremism, and he posits, in contrast to his pacifist position, that this policy definitely pushes off the war but doesn't prevent it - a position that eventually proved correct. Some situations demand surgical intervention, despite the fact that he usually denounces the use of knives.
With exaggerated optimism, Einstein foresees that Denmark - home of the addressee - will not fall to the Nazis. (It was in fact conquered by the Nazis in 1940.)

Background: Einstein was a pacifist from his youth, and even called himself a "fighting pacifist," who was prepared to fight and die for peace. He explained that the source of his pacifism was "an instinctive feeling that the murder of human beings is an abominable act." He expressed his abhorrence of military service and forced drafts. However, beginning in 1933, upon the rise of the Nazi regime, he toned down his views, and felt that there is need to protect oneself, even if this demanded war. This position is expressed in this letter.

Condition: Fine. Fold marks. Minimal stains.