Lettre autographe signée adressée à son "vieux Toto" Jacques Mortane

Autograph letter signed by Roland Garros, addressed to his "vieux Toto" Jacques Mortane, written in black ink on Parkhotel Mannheim letterhead.
Horizontal folds from mailing, a few marginal tears without loss.
A rare and attractive letter in which the aviator refers to "Le Groupe" and the "Jour des Aviateurs" at Juvisy: "Faites l'impossible dans l'intérêt très important du groupe (je vous expliquerai pourquoi jeudi à Paris) pour faire passer en bonne place dans Excelsior l'article inclus, intégralement." Mortane successfully managed to transmit the article, which was published in the 14 June 1914 issue under the title "Le Gala des Aviateurs - La fête aérienne d'aujourd'hui à Juvisy." It was Roland Garros who initiated the association, with Jacques Mortane serving as secretary general, which he named "Le Groupe." Bringing together around fifteen aviation celebrities, its purpose included supporting the widows and orphans of fellow aviators who had perished in pursuit of their passion. The "Journée des aviateurs" was the first charitable event organized by "Le Groupe" and, as this letter testifies, held great significance for Garros: "C'est très très important pour nous."
The letters and signatures of the most famous of aviators, who died at only twenty-nine, are rare and much sought after.