CHABAN-DELMAS Jacques (1915-2000). 5 L. A. S., 1956-1958, to General de GAULLE; 6 pages in-8 or in-4, some headings; 2 with autograph apostille from de Gaulle. 12 May 1956. "After a fact-finding trip which confirmed my conviction that the problems of North Africa are certainly solvable on the sole condition that the national resolution is simply average, I had a discussion with M. René Coty during which I was entrusted with a certain number of intentions intended to be reported directly to you because of their general and particular nature"... - Fort-de-France 11 August. He is due to leave the day before the General arrives, and wishes him a safe journey... 3 July 1957. He requested an audience with de Gaulle to discuss "several subjects that seem interesting to me, especially in view of the current economic situation"... At the top of his letter, de Gaulle wrote: "I would be happy to see you a little later because I don't want the 'current economic situation'". - Bordeaux 11 November. "As I take over responsibility for National Defence and the Armed Forces, I cannot help but express my gratitude to you, and doubly so on this anniversary. On 18 June 1940, and ever since, you have given the French people hope and, in their hearts, love for their homeland. It left an indelible mark on the young man that I was. At a difficult time, in a deplorable system, it seems to me that my duty today is to try to maintain hope in a salutary recourse"... 1 February 1958. His wishes were accompanied by "the concerns and hopes attached to our national destiny. Charged with overseeing, within the Alliances, the safeguarding of a freedom of action inseparable from France's independence, I have already had too many opportunities to measure once again the risks and dangers to which our country is exposed as a result, not only of world developments, but also, and very largely, of the vices of our institutional system taken in the most extensive sense. You will no doubt understand that none of your companions has given up hope of seeing an end to your distance from the direction of affairs"... At the top, de Gaulle noted: "I have replied". Attached is a visiting card with 7 lines ms.