GAULLE Charles de L.A.S., Paris, 23 April 1937, to Paul Reynaud; 3 pages in-4. Remarks by Charles de Gaulle on French military strategy and its weaknesses. "Referring to the speech made in the Chamber on 15 March 1935 by General Maurin, Minister for War in the Flandin Cabinet, in response to your own speech, I read the following: "How can anyone believe that we are still thinking of going on the offensive, when we have spent billions to build a fortified barrier? Would we be so foolish as to go ahead of this barrier for some adventure? "This alone, gentlemen, shows you what the government is thinking. Because the government, at least in my person, knows perfectly well the war plan..." Hitler, having read these statements, was absolutely certain. A year later, he could cross the Rhine in the certainty that we would not budge (7 March 1936). And isn't it obvious that such a military policy, not only followed but praised, flaunted and proclaimed, condemns us in advance to losing the diplomatic game in Brussels (it's done), Belgrade (it's under way), Warsaw and Prague? I'd like to suggest that these words of General Maurin's should be highlighted in your next book on military policy, in particular to show that we ourselves provoked 7 March, and that, really, it's too stupid". Excellent condition in spite of minor pitting. Bibliography: L. N. C., vol. 1, p. 831-832.