The Daily Telegraph said the letter, dated Jan. 3, 1954, read, "The word god is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weakness, the Bible a collection of honorable, but still primitive legends which are nevertheless pretty childish."

He also said he did not think Jewish people were chosen by God.

"For me the Jewish religion like all others is an incarnation of the most childish superstitions," the letter said. "And the Jewish people to whom I gladly belong and with whose mentality I have a deep affinity have no different quality for me than all other people.

The letter will go on the auction block Thursday in London, the newspaper said.