"the sinister task of eradicating Tibet from the map of the world"
Autograph letter signed.
8vo. 2 pp.
€ 800.00
To Cleophus Griffin, the chef of New York Explorer's Club, who was preparing a book of interesting recipes encountered by explorers on their travels. Prince Peter regrets he cannot contribute anything, as his Tibetan recipes are in India, which he cannot access because Jawaharlal Nehru had evicted him, following Chinese pressure: "I should very much like to help. Unfortunately, my Tibetan recipes, which are those I should like to send to you, are in India, in my home in Kalimpong. Mr. Nehru having turned me out of my place because of his leanings for the Chinese Communists who are presently engaged with the sinister task of eradicating Tibet from the map of the world, I am afraid that I do not have access to them [...]". As an anthropologist, Peter specialized in Tibetan culture and had not been shy in criticising the Chinese government and occupying army.
Known for his recipes made with exotic meat such as boa constrictor, monkey, polar bear, flying fox, and iguana, Cleophus Griffin served as chef of New York Explorer's Club for more than 20 years. He would create and cook these recipes mostly for the Club's annual dinner, with the meat provided by the club members. The book for which this contribution was intended never materialized.
Horizontal fold; some toning.
