Paris
Mrs. Charles de Gaulle:
Upon learning of the untimely passing of General Charles de Gaulle, I express my sincere
condolences and respect for this indomitable fighter against fascist aggression and for the
defense of French national independence.
Mao Zedong
Beijing, November 11, 1970

[1] Charles de Gaulle was a French general and politician. During World War II, he led his
troops to fight against the German invaders. After the fall of France, he led the "Free France"
(later renamed "Fighting France") movement in London, England. He later organized the
French National Council and the French National Liberation Committee to lead the anti-
German struggle both at home and abroad. In June 1944, he became the head of the French
Provisional Government. In June 1958, he became the head of the French Parliament. From
December 1958 to April 1969, he served as President of the French Fifth Republic. He died
on November 9, 1970.