Today in History – 20/21 June

Condolence letter for Maxim Gorky

Upon renowned writer Maxim Gorky’s death on June 18, 1936, Prime Minister İsmet İnönü penned the following lines to be sent to USSR Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars Vycheslav Molotov:

His Excellency Mr. Molotov,

Moscow,

June 20, 1936

I am deeply saddened to have received the news of renowned writer Maxim Gorky, with whom you had given me the opportunity to meet during my stay in Moscow. His death is a terrible loss for the Soviet literary world. As I am still under the strong influence of Gorsky’s highly idealistic and humanistic ideas, I am further saddened by his passing.

I would like Your Excellency to accept my most sincere condolences.

İsmet İnönü