GAULLE Charles de. 2 L. A. S. (the 2nd "Ton Papa"), 15 August and 22 September 1956, to his son Lieutenant-Commander Philippe de GAULLE (in Hyères); 4 and 2 pages in-8 on the letterhead of Le Général de Gaulle. Tour of French Guiana, the West Indies and the Pacific; and the Suez Canal affair. 15th August. "I have been writing to you since yesterday evening with Mum on board the "Calédonien". The visit to French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique was very impressive and moving. The "French" character of these lands and the national feeling of the inhabitants are obvious. They erupted in enthusiastic demonstrations. We are now going to sail - peacefully, no doubt - to Tahiti, whereas in Guadeloupe, during our stay, a severe cyclone ravaged the island, shattering banana trees, breaking trees and disrupting houses. When this letter reaches you, you will be in Hyères. We are thinking of you, of Henriette, of your so nice and intelligent boys, who will soon, all together, start a new life in Paris. There were 3 minesweepers in Fort-de-France, one normally stationed, two passing through and coming from the United States. [...] I don't see any reason to bring up the 'Canal affair', which is proceeding according to procedure, i.e. in the glue, as was to be expected". 22 September. First, he is saddened to hear the "lamentable news of the death of little Thierry" [de Gaulle's grand-nephew]. "If any operations had been carried out on the Canal, it would not have been a bad idea for you to take part, particularly in the form of a staff element to enlighten Gal B. [Beaufre] about cooperation with the French. [Beaufre] about cooperation with French and British naval aviation. But it was quite clear in advance that nothing would be done. I'll tell you about the trip to French Guiana, the West Indies, the Pacific and Djibouti. It was truly magnificent and very moving"... LNC, II, p. 1219 and 1228.