Strategic national defense visions according to Charles de Gaulle.

Charles de GAULLE (1890.1970)

Autographed letter signed to Lucien Nachin.

Four octavo pages on Marshal Pétain's office letterhead.

Paris. January 12, 1926.

"Defensive organization, which is constantly necessary, [...] is a matter for the government."

Assigned to Marshal Pétain's office, Captain Charles de Gaulle developed his strategic visions for national defense. Praising the memory of some senior military figures such as Vauban, Gouvion Saint-Cyr and Séré de Rivières, he alerted his correspondent to the indispensable need for a modern and determined army.

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"My dear comrade, The observations that you wished to address to me yesterday concerning the study on the "Role of our places" are, for me, further proof of your understanding and the penetration of your mind; all are judicious and if I do not agree with each one, believe me, I benefit from them.

We seem to agree on how to judge Vauban, Gouvion Saint-Cyr, and even Séré de Rivières . Each of these men should be praised for having been able to synthesize the conditions of national defense in their time; all three believed it necessary —precisely because they achieved this synthesis— to establish a defensive system for the territory. But perhaps we don't see things quite from the same perspective, considering the needs of today.

You seemed concerned about a defensive organization that would hinder the command plan. Therefore, in my humble opinion, the defensive organization should not be—as many would like—a function of the operational plan. The defensive organization, which is constantly necessary and dependent on the geographical, political, and even moral conditions in which the country finds itself, is a matter for the government. 

The operational plan is the responsibility of the command. The command incorporates the positions (whatever their form) into its plans as resources, exactly as it does with personnel, equipment, and mechanical power.

If I ever have the good fortune to meet you, I will specify, if you so wish, what we could do today. Once again, my sincere thanks, my dear comrade, my best wishes for the New Year, and the assurance of my highest esteem and warmest sympathy. C. de Gaulle.