DE GAULLE (Charles). - Lot 38

DE GAULLE (Charles). Autograph letter signed dated January 22, 1947 addressed to General Koenig. 1 page and a half. A very interesting letter in which General De Gaulle evokes the disinterested stance he would like politicians to take regarding decorations. "My dear friend, I never signed any decree awarding the Croix de la Libération to M.M. Bidault and Teitgen. This, in particular, because they were ministers and, as I was led to report today, the Government does not decorate itself. On a more general note, and from a slightly different point of view, I find unfortunate the sort of "rush" towards decorations that we are currently witnessing on the part of politicians. When one's profession is to lead the state, or to aspire to do so, it's proper to show disinterestedness to the point of scrupulosity. This used to be the tone, at least as far as decorations were concerned. We must encourage the return of these mannered men. Yours sincerely, C. de Gaulle". Provenance: General Pierre Koenig, Marshal of France and Companion of the Liberation, then by descent.