HISTORICAL CHARLES DE GAULLE HANDWRITTEN & SIGNED LETTER (ALS)
Includes Original Handwritten Envelope & Autographes Demarest COA Card
Item Overview
Author: General Charles de Gaulle (President of France)
Date of Letter: January 4, 1969 (Postmarked January 6, 1969)
Recipient: His niece, Christiane Bignier (née Christiane de Gaulle, daughter of Pierre de Gaulle) & her husband André
Format: Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) on official printed letterhead ("LE GÉNÉRAL DE GAULLE")
Inclusions:
2-page handwritten letter signed by de Gaulle ("C. de Gaulle")
Original handwritten envelope addressed in de Gaulle's hand with 1969 Paris postmark
Original descriptive card (Fiche Descriptive) from prestigious French autograph dealer Autographes Demarest (Paris)
Historical Context & Significance
This authentic and remarkable piece was written shortly after the famous May 1968 social unrest and just four months before de Gaulle’s resignation as President of France in April 1969.
In this letter, de Gaulle extends New Year’s wishes to his niece while offering a profound political observation on the future of France:
"Quant à notre pays, la route est libre devant lui ; à moins que, de nouveau, il se crée des obstacles lui-même."
(English translation: "As for our country, the road ahead is clear; unless, once again, it creates obstacles for itself.")
This poignant statement stands as one of de Gaulle's most famous private reflections during the final chapter of his political presidency.
Full English Translation
Header: LE GÉNÉRAL DE GAULLE — January 4, 1969
Text:
"My dear Christiane,
All my best wishes, please, to you and to André. I am delighted that you are starting the new year with your health well restored. May your extreme generosity not squander it!
As for our country, the road ahead is clear; unless, once again, it creates obstacles for itself.
Be assured, my dear Christiane, of my most faithful affection.
C. de Gaulle