FINE INSCRIBED WARTIME PHOTOGRAPH OF FIELD-MARSHALL J.C. SMUTS

A fine large double mounted and framed wartime photograph of General Smuts with an important inscription. The original signed ink inscription in Smuts's hand (on the lower mounts) reads: J.C. Smuts FM/In Friendship and recognition to/ My friend A.M. Wilson/1942. The lower part of the image is annotated 'Copyright/Akkersdyk/Caoetown' in black and 'Field-Marshall J.C. Smuts' in white. The image measures 36 x 28.5cms. and in the frame 52 x 42.5cms. The photograph is in very good condition. The contermporary black frame has some slight signs of wear.

Arthur N Wilson was the government information officer in the ‘Office of the Prime Minister’, to give the public “the right information and guidance”. The post of information officer had existed in the public service department since January 1936 but was never utilised. In September 1937, the then prime minister, Hertzog, decided to institute a press intelligence office to provide the ‘correct information’ about government activities to the press, “as the press was most important in the formation of public opinion”. In October 1937, the designation changed to that of information officer. With the change of government in September 1939, Smuts appointed Wilson to head the official institution called the Bureau of Information (BOI), with the initial mandate of combating Zeesen propaganda. (Further information available online). 

In view of the importance of this association, I believe this item should remain in this country, so it is being offered exclusively to buyers within South Africa .