50th anniversary of de Gaulle’s appeal to fight the Nazis

Title

50th anniversary of de Gaulle’s appeal to fight the Nazis

Genre

News report; Interview; Speech

TX Date

18 Jun 1990

Year of production

1990

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Duration

00:03:58

Description

Tim Marshall reports on celebrations across France to mark the fiftieth anniversary of General Charles de Gaulle’s appeal broadcast from London (18/06/40) to French soldiers and workers to join him and fight the Nazis. It is also the centenary of de Gaulle’s birth. The biggest event is being held on the banks of the River Seine in Paris. Marshall sets the scene in Paris and includes a recording of de Gaulle’s appeal speech. The Free French movement was formed as a result of this speech, as an alterative to the Vichy regime and in conjunction with British Intelligence to maintain the Resistance. Marshall also provides a detailed summary of de Gaulle’s influence on the history of France, England and Europe. Dominique Moisi, French Institute for International Relations, says de Gaulle helped the French believe they had won the war. President Mitterrand opened a plaque in memory of de Gaulle at the Grande Arche de la Defense. Marshall quotes Mitterrand’s comments about de Gaulle.

Contributors

Tim Marshall; Charles de Gaulle; Dominique Moisi

Keywords

London; Anniversary celebrations; UK; France; Broadcasting; Common markets; Nazis; Speeches; Francois Mitterrand; Presidents; Second World War (1939-1945); Europe; Paris; Anniversaries; Generals; Charles de Gaulle; Free French Movement; Vichy regime; French Institute for International Relations

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