Paris:
General Charles de Gaulle’s iconic 1940 radio address urging France to resist the Nazi occupation is set to be publicly displayed for the first time. The two-page original manuscript of the historic “Appeal of June 18” will be showcased at an auction house in Paris before some of De Gaulle’s personal belongings go up for sale.
The manuscript, featuring De Gaulle’s handwritten notes and revisions, will be exhibited at Artcurial’s Champs-Elysees office. This rare document will not be part of the items being auctioned off on December 16 but will serve as a significant historical artifact.
Among the items being auctioned are De Gaulle’s first book manuscript, a collection of letters to his wife, and a school report card. The auction was organized by De Gaulle’s descendants who inherited these personal possessions from his brother.
De Gaulle, known as the father of the modern French state, played a crucial role in leading the resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II. He later became the post-war leader and shaped the current French constitution, serving as president from 1958.
In his famous Appeal of June 18 broadcasted by the BBC from London, De Gaulle rallied the French people to continue the fight, laying the groundwork for the underground resistance movement. His words, “Nothing is lost for France,” became a symbol of hope and resilience during a dark period in history.
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