CHARLES DE GAULLE,
SPEACH ANNOUNCING
THE VICTORY OF WW2

A historic document that was used by Charles de Gaulle (then general and Chairmen of the Provisional Government in France) to announce the European victory of the Second World War – Germany's surrender. General de Gaulle made the announcement on public radio at 3 pm on May 8, 1945.

The two pages are printed with text in French and have handwritten ink corrections by de Gaulle. The final version that was spoken on the radio is indeed the exact text shown on the document, making it the final draft; all corrections are correct in the speech. The words "texte definitif" (English: "final text") are written on the upper part of the first page, as well as the date" 8/5/45".

A complete French transcript of the speech and a full English translation are available upon request. Also available by request is an original audio recording of the speech.

Charles de Gaulle later became President of France (1959-1969) and is known as the greatest Frenchman of all time (Le Plus Grand Français de tous les temps). This de Gaulle speech has been quoted as not only a beautiful speech but also very iconic. Nonetheless, whoever it may have been that made this historical speech for France, it's fair to state that this document is the most essential French document in modern times. And indeed, a high-end Second World War collectible.

Size: Approximately 11 x 14 in. / 28 x 35,5 cm each.

Condition: Good condition; handling creases; some paper clip impression.

Provenance: Private collection, France. Private collection, USA. Letter of Authenticity from Alexander Bitar History.