Remarkable World War II–era handwritten draft manuscript by Charles de Gaulle, unsigned, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8.25 x 10.75, no date. A remarkable wartime patriotic message penned by de Gaulle, with commentary on the danger posed by Adolf Hitler, his collaborators in Vichy France, battles between the Allied and Axis powers in Russia, and an optimistic declaration that "France will be in the winning camp."
In full (translated): "We understand why Hitler, exploiting the degradation of those who surrendered to him, persisted in drawing direct assistance from them in his war. We understand why the men who, at Vichy, played for Hitler's victory and France's defeat, work for Hitler's victory and France's defeat, so that the event appears to vindicate their crime and their madness. We understand why these individuals would like to force the soldiers of the Empire to prolong, in Syria, an execrable battle against France and its allies. But, as always, the game of traitors is a bad game. Not only is there no doubt about the outcome of the odious battles in Syria, but the whole world notes that, in this war, the balance of power, which until now could appear to be leaning towards the enemy is in the process of overthrowing.
In Russia, the German armies have been engaged in an increasingly harsh struggle for twenty days. This campaign, which the enemy imagined would be easy and quick, on the contrary takes on the appearance of one of those Russian novels, which with each chapter we believe are on the verge of ending and which always begin again. In the Atlantic, the United States began the approach march. Their immense fleet, their aviation in full swing, their already powerful army, are advancing towards Europe and Africa. Death and destruction are spreading over Germany itself. Still, this is only the beginning, because the terrible British aviation, into which French and allied elements are incorporated, continues to grow in number and quality.
Last year, at this time, Germany, supported by intact Italy, had before it only an England which was only beginning to organize its forces. But the admirable British resolve, personified by the great Churchill, gave the world time to pull itself together. Today, Germany, supporting the failing Italy, sees standing before it a powerfully armed British Empire, a Russia determined to win, an America with colossal resources, growing French forces and large allied contingents.
Certainly, we do not misunderstand the power of the enemy, we know what Hitler remains capable of, we measure the full extent of what remains to be done. But the path that we, the Free French, initially took as the only honorable one, we now see is also the safest.
Grown by the certainty of victory, we will follow this path to its infallible conclusion. Whatever our trials, whatever our sorrows, we will put back into the war, for the liberation of the country and for the freedom of the world, the Empire first, then the homeland. France will be in the winning camp." De Gaulle makes several revisions to the text, striking through and amending several words. In very fine condition.
Charles de Gaulle was an outspoken critic of Adolf Hitler, condemning his totalitarian regime and aggressive expansionist policies. De Gaulle viewed Hitler's actions as a direct threat to freedom and democracy, rallying against the Nazi occupation of France. Though distinctly pro-France, he recognized the importance of unity among free nations to defeat Germany and restore peace, emphasizing the strength of the British, Russian, and American militaries. Throughout World War II, de Gaulle's leadership and persistent advocacy for resistance played a crucial role in the eventual liberation of France.
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