Maurice PAPON comments on the resignation of Charles de Gaulle.

Maurice PAPON (1910.2007)

Letter signed, with autograph apostille.

One page in-4° on National Assembly letterhead.

Paris. May 2, 1969.

Interesting letter relating to the resignation of General de Gaulle and the candidacy of Georges Pompidou for the presidency of the Republic.

“Madam, The withdrawal of General de Gaulle is a sadness for us all. But because he has continued to be our conscience for thirty years, General de Gaulle will never cease to inspire our conduct and our actions . This fidelity dictates courage in us in the very moment he leaves us. You have barely fought yesterday's battle when a new battle begins today. The movement unanimously decided to support the candidacy of Georges POMPIDOU. The unity and cohesion that we are demonstrating on this serious occasion is an act of profound significance, in the face of the political games which are starting again and which were predictable. This comparison is sufficient in itself and frees us from any bitterness and any feeling of revenge. Quite the contrary and as last June, we must, apart from any party spirit, open ourselves to all those who repudiate communism ; It is also from this perspective that the candidate we support directs his action and dictates ours to ensure his election to the supreme office. Georges POMPIDOU's audience is large in the country and his popularity is certain. We will consult as soon as possible to decide together the terms of the campaign which, according to the wishes of the candidate himself, will be marked by sobriety. Moreover, if it must be conducted without arrogance, it must also be done without complexes: Indeed, the figures for the Referendum of April 27, 1969, to be properly appreciated, must be compared in particular to the figures for the first round of the 1968 legislative elections. This comparison underlines the stability of the electoral body of our circumspection, despite the vigorous “no” campaign which was waged on all sides. I would even say that the department of Cher as a whole resisted the tide that emerged during this referendum consultation and demonstrates that our efforts were not in vain. I thank you once again for your dedication and particularly our posters who gave so much of themselves. I'm counting on you for tomorrow. See you soon. In complete confidence. With my respectful respects. Maurice PAPON. »

Convicted in 1988 for complicity in crimes against humanity concerning acts (the organization of the deportation to the death camps of Jews in the region) committed when he was secretary general of the prefecture of Gironde, between 1942 and 1944, After the war, Maurice Papon led a career as a senior civil servant which took him to the ministerial ranks.

He was caught up in his ignoble past in 1981, following an article in Le Canard Enchainé published between the two rounds of the presidential election, when he was Minister of the Budget in the Barre government.