GAULLE Charles de. L. A. S. "Ton Papa" and L. A., 30 April and 30 May 1954, to his son Lieutenant Philippe de GAULLE (in Oran); 4 pages in-8 each headed Le Général de Gaulle. De Gaulle follows his son's military career with attention and pride. 30th April. According to information given by Admiral d'Argenlieu: "On board an aircraft carrier such as the Lafayette, there is, below the Commander of the ship and his second in command, a 'chief of on-board aviation services' of the rank of frigate captain or former corvette captain. The head of services has a deputy, who is specifically responsible for all matters relating to landings and who, in particular, has under his command the officers and staff employed on landings. This deputy is a lieutenant-commander or a former lieutenant, who has himself had extensive experience of on-board aviation, particularly landing. That's the position you're destined for and which has already been virtually assigned to you. [...] As for the exact date on which you will have to start your new service (in Toulon), it has not yet been fixed. It has already been decided that you should be replaced in your current command on 1st October. [...] In Paris, where I was yesterday, the atmosphere is rather tense, particularly in military circles. A lot of things seem to be stirring in people's minds, which last year didn't budge. I've decided to go to the Arc de Triomphe on Sunday in a figure eight. The atmosphere of the ceremony will be interesting"... 30th May. New information sent by admiral oRtoLi: "It is certain, as far as anything can be certain in this world, that you will be assigned to the Lafayette as assistant to the head of aviation services. [...] There is every reason for you to look for accommodation in Toulon. [...] You are exceptionally well rated. For example, Admiral Periès recently wrote in your file: 'Outstanding' (a very rare mention, of course). On the other hand, as the years go by, your grades show an increasingly clear affirmation of your worth, which, for specialists in personnel administration, is proof that your worth is constantly increasing. In the assessment relating to the possible "choice", you are rated: "great choice". As far as the promotion list is concerned, it seems that you do not yet meet the minimum seniority requirements. [...] In any case, everything should look very good next year. As far as I'm concerned, I'm as happy and proud as I can be of this success of my dear son, my old boy, in whom I have placed all my hopes. All the more pleased and proud that I am aware of the difficult conditions in which you are carving out your career within this poor old French navy, which has been torn apart by events and which needs to be rebuilt"... LNC, II, p. 1156 and 1159.