De Gaulle's Groundbreaking June 18 Broadcast: A Iconic Symbol of French Resistance
French National Archives Holds Draft of De Gaulle's June 18 Address, a Crucial Speech During Algerian War of Independence - De Gaulle's June 18th Declaration: Historical Document Delivered to the French National Archive
Airwaves buzzed, as Charles de Gaulle, in a gutsy move, cracked open his mic on the BBC from the heart of London. He delivered a call-to-arms to all French soldiers and engineers huddled in Britain to join him in taking on Nazi Germany. With fiery conviction, he declared, "The flame of French resistance must endure, it will endure." Historians have suggested that this speech barely reached the ears of many French citizens, but it catalyzed the French Resistance movement.
"The French state ought to safeguard this manuscript, as it embodies a definitive act of liberation," opined Yves de Gaulle, the grandson of the legendary general. De Gaulle sensed the weight of history on his shoulders, understanding that everything associated with his political pursuits would become invaluable pieces of French history.
Set to be displayed in Paris during the next three months and then securely stored within the National Archives, this priceless document will witness light once more. Housed in a bank vault before its recent discovery following the passing of Philippe de Gaulle, the general's son, in March, this manuscript was poised for a second chance at infamy.
As a result of Philippe's passing, the family bestowed nearly 1300 documents, some handwritten, penned by the general himself, to the National Archives. This remarkable collection includes a stunning 70 letters exchanged between former President Georges Pompidou and General de Gaulle between 1946 and 1969. "A goldmine for history buffs," extolled Yves de Gaulle, the general's grandson.
While some personal effects and manuscripts of the general were sold at auction in late 2024, a particularly intriguing text emerged. In this text, a 14-year-old de Gaulle envisioned himself leading the French army to repel the German invasion, revealing his steely resolve and unwavering conviction toward France, even at a young age.
- Charles de Gaulle
- Manuscript
- Sound Recording
- National Archives
- World War II
- Paris
- Rachida Dati
- London
- BBC
- UK Politics
- Georges Pompidou
- The politically significant manuscript, penned by Charles de Gaulle during World War II, is set to be protected and preserved by the National Archives in Paris, just like the iconic sound recording of his historic June 18 broadcast delivered from London via the BBC.
- Amidst the general-news headlines of UK Politics, the upcoming display of the de Gaulle manuscript in Paris conjures a sense of déjà vu, as it parallels the revolutionary impact of de Gaulle's words during World War II, when he asserted France's resolve against Nazi Germany, a statement that echoes through history even today.
