GAULLE Charles de L.A.S., Colombey-les-deux-Églises, 27 August 1937 to Paul Reynaud; 4 pages in-4. Interesting letter containing numerous remarks on the disastrous state of French military policy, which is struggling to modernise. "Your article in Paris-Soir is perfect. It seems to me that there is a great interest, for the present and for the future, in your taking the following attitude towards the military: "You are excellent instruments and, in your own role, worthy of complete trust. It is up to the public authorities to guide you. This would also make it possible to separate the army's cause from that of Maurin, who would be delighted if they appeared to be confused. The unfortunate outcome of the Istres-Damas-Paris air race made an impression on public opinion. The Minister of the Air Force was criticised for not having organised the race when he wasn't sure that our new prototypes would be able to take part (in fact they weren't). But there is a more general reason for all these disruptions and setbacks: French military policy has not yet decided to play the modern cards outright: speed, power, quality, in other words manoeuvre and surprise. We are reluctant to follow and, while spending at least as much as the others, we are always late. 3 simultaneous examples: Italy has just launched its second 35,000-tonne battleship. We, who also have two under construction, are a long way from launching the first - Germany has 6 Panzerdivisionen. We, who, however, build tanks, have not yet organised the first battleship division. - Italy is winning the air race, even though we pay more for our air force than they do for theirs. It's true that if we organised the international fortress competition, we would certainly win... But the impression made outside our borders would not be quite the same. In short, we need a boost, and that means a real minister. It is my fervent hope that you will one day, Minister, be the organiser of French military power. Injections. Bibliography: L. N. C., vol. 1, p. 835-836.