Historic Sale of Charles de Gaulle's Personal Manuscripts and Memorabilia Announced

Over 350 items, including rare writings, letters, and personal artifacts, will be auctioned on December 16 by Artcurial, sparking debate over their place in public heritage.

• The auction features over 350 lots, including Charles de Gaulle's early writings, wartime correspondence, and personal items like his Free France insignia and school notebooks.
• Key highlights include the manuscript of his first book, 'La Discorde chez l’ennemi,' estimated at €50,000, and letters to his wife Yvonne during World War II, starting at €7,000.
• The sale includes unique artifacts such as a train set gifted by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev and de Gaulle's personal notes on card games played shortly before his death.
• The auction was initiated by the four sons of Philippe de Gaulle, raising over €1 million, though some historians and officials question whether these items should remain in public collections.
• The French government is monitoring the sale closely, with speculation that it may intervene to acquire certain key items of historical significance.

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