François Mitterrand calls on Gabriel Matzneff to show leniency. 1966.

François Mitterrand

Autographed letter signed to Gabriel Matzneff.

Two octavo pages on National Assembly letterhead.

Paris. May 17, 1966.

"I want you to remain the one who challenges: that is how we will defend freedom together."

A remarkable letter from the future President of the Republic, brilliantly and amicably defending himself against the criticisms leveled by Gabriel Matzneff in an article published in Combat. The friendship between the two men, which began in the mid-1960s and was marked by their shared literary passions, lasted until François Mitterrand's death in 1996.

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"Dear Sir, I see that I still prefer what you write to what I do. However, may I say that I find your recent assessments somewhat cursory? Perhaps I should have explained my reasons sooner. I've thought about it and now reproach myself for not having found the time. Don't imagine me swept away by the currents of daily political life. No doubt I was poorly organized: having learned this lesson, I will always find it very advantageous to meet with you."

In my opinion, the harshness of your latest article detracts from the quality of the analysis. And why do you, a writer and a sensitive one at that, make so little effort to understand the motives of a responsible politician who, in order to deal with reality with the necessary rigor, and not with complacency (acting in exactly the opposite direction would have been easier for me), has the right to feel mistreated by those close to him when he already has to impose a strict rule on himself?

That said, I find it very unpleasant that you should be put on trial among our friends simply because you wrote what you thought. I hope you will remain the one who challenges: that is how we will defend freedom together. And if you exercise this right with a concern for understanding rather than insulting, I will be delighted to remain cordially yours, François Mitterrand .