A Forgotten Collection of Charles de Gaulle’s Personal Letters, Speeches and Manuscripts Has Been Discovered in a Safe

Winston Churchill’s letters, short stories written under a pseudonym and a gold electronic watch are some of the items he once owned. de Gaulle that would be Awaiting auction next week.

According to the London auction house, the total value of the 372 lots is about 1 million euros (about 1.05 million U.S. dollars). era‘ Adam Sage.

Impressive items hidden in safes owned by them Philippe de GaulleThe son of a famous military general and former French president. Philip passed away in March at the age of 102.

“It was a total surprise,” Obert told reporters guardianKim Wilsher. “Only Admiral Philippe de Gaulle could open the safe, so when we opened it we didn’t really know what we would find. It’s a fabulous treasure trove. The life history of General de Gaulle, the savior of France.

Treasure trove contains de Gaulle’s handwritten manuscripts Celebrating 1940 Speech among them he appeal to the french to resist the Nazis. The then-Brigadier broadcast the appeal from London, where he fled after France agreed to cooperate with Nazi Germany. He met Churchill, who allowed him to speak on the BBC.

De Gaulle said: “Honour, common sense and the national interest require that all free Frenchmen, wherever they are, should do their best to continue the fight.” He concluded his speech: “I appeal to all French people who want to remain free Hear my voice and follow me! Long live the honor and independence of a free France!”

The historic manuscript is not for sale but will be on display at a public exhibition sponsored by the auction house Ed Gurial.

Other valuable manuscripts are up for auction, including one The enemy’s house is divided (1924), de Gaulle’s first book. This auction features short story He began writing when he was only 14 years old, another short story A few years later, he wrote under the pen name Charles de Lugale.

The collection also includes “unpublished notebooks containing philosophical reflections, political analysis and literary criticism”. statement From the auction house, “Provides rare insights into the ongoing intellectual development of General de Gaulle.”

Many of de Gaulle’s personal letters are for sale, including notes In 1940, he sent his wife into battle and encoded letters he wrote to his mother while in captivity. prisoner of war During the First World War.

“We’re still trying to determine what code he used and what he said,” Obert told reporters guardian. “They were able to communicate, but only de Gaulle and his mother knew the code.”

According to the British “Guardian” report, Churchill expressed concerns about Soviet expansionism in 1946 in the letter. eraas well as messages from dancers and singers Josephine Baker Signed “Your loyal and dirty resister”.

In addition to the cache of textual artifacts, a number of personal trinkets and souvenirs will also be for sale, including de Gaulle’s watch, desk clock and toy soldiers from his childhood.

A portion of the auction proceeds will be donated to Anne de Gaulle Foundation. The foundation, named after de Gaulle’s daughter with Down syndrome, provides housing and support for people with disabilities.

Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.