Our monograph series continues with the publication of a second monograph in September 2023: MS Gripsholm and the US – Japan Diplomatic Exchanges in World War II, by Louis Fiset.
Using postal documentation as primary evidence, this monograph tells a story of the two diplomatic exchanges between the US and Japan involving the Swedish liner, MS Gripsholm, a vessel that returned 6,000 diplomats, businessmen, missionaries, and internees, including women and children, to their home countries following internment in enemy territories.
The 56 illustrations of postal history cover the time period from December 1941 through December 1943. To provide historical context for them, contemporaneous sources were consulted — cable communications between the State Department and Japan’s Foreign Ministry, press coverage, and biographical sketches of repatriates.
This work represents a major part of a larger story that involved more than 50 mercy ships and numerous neutral governments to repatriate more than 30,000 noncombatants held by the major warring nations.
April 2023 saw the release of the first of the MPHS Monograph series. That Monograph has 96 pages, and features well over 50 illustrations of military postal history. It is entitled “American Aid for German Prisoners of War, A Postal History”.
The first Monograph focused upon the significant International POW correspondence going to a residential street address in Buffalo, N.Y.. A comprehensive study unearths the passions and humanitarian vision of Emil Auer in the face of extremely formidable elements. As importantly, the Monograph reminds us of the consequential and challenging work of a postal historian and highlights the knowledge and richness that can be associated with facilitating an understanding of history.
If you have paid for the print version of the Bulletin, you will shortly receive a printed copy of the second monograph in your mailbox. An email will be sent out to all members, describing how to download the electronic copy of this monograph.
The Society has set a goal of publishing two Monographs each year and we encourage you to consider sharing your knowledge, collections and research with all philatelists via this medium. The established criteria for our Monograph series includes:
· New research, previously unpublished material
· Between 8,000 and 25,000 words with appropriate illustrations
· Length, ideally between 60 and 96 pages in length (with some flex on this)
· A strong theme linking to aspects of military postal history
· Willingness and/or ability to engage in a peer review of the manuscript
Proposals for future Monographs are welcome and should include the following:
· Title of the Monograph
· Short summary (150 words)
· Identify aspects of original research to be shared
· Note any previous philatelic writing experience (not essential)
· Indication of anticipated timeline for completing a ‘draft’
Those with interest in learning more and who are considering submission of a proposal should email Harold at hjkrische@gmail.com with any questions.