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Franco-British friendship rides high at 70th anniversary of 18th June appel
Friday 18 June
On 18 June Prime Minister Cameron and President Sarkozy met in London to commemorate General de Gaulle's historic wartime broadcast on the BBC. This was the first time a French head of state had come to London to commemorate the historic broadcast which prompted the birth of the French Resistance.
It was a memorable occasion offering such spectacles as a British soldier in a bearskin and a French soldier in a kepi standing side by side in the grounds of the Royal Hospital. But as David Cameron observed in his speech, the Franco British relationship "is not some ceremonial friendship - it is a working relationship". He went on to talk about how the two countries stand 'shoulder-to-shoulder' today in facing huge challenges - including the conflict in Afghanistan, the economic crisis and climate change.
In his reply Nicolas Sarkozy offered the eternal gratitude of the French people for what Britain accomplished 'for their liberty and honour'. He said that The Appeal of the 18th June could have been made 'from nowhere else than from the sole free people on earth which continued to resist the forces of Nazism'. He paid tribute to the courage and tenacity of the British people and mentioned the exemplary behaviour of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in staying in London throughout the Blitz.
Turning to the modern age he observed that 'the unity of Europe is a condition of the survival of its civilization and that, in consequence, everyone must do everything in their power to preserve it.' Finally he ended with the rousing words: 'Long live Franco-British friendship!'
Download the Franco-British Council pamphlet to read the background to the 18 June story.
Other Recent Seminars
Reprinting of commemorative pamphlet: 70th ANNIVERSARY OF DE GAULLE'S 'APPEL', Monday 14 June
Next Seminar
French and British Perspectives on the Emergence of China
Friday 1 October
China's emergence on the world scene changes global balances in such a way that it merits collective in-depth reflection. France and the United Kingdom both have similar political and economic interests with regard to China and can only gain by exchanging their views. The seminar of Franco-Britsh dialogue about China's emergence will be organised around four themes:
1. Political aspects: How can the emergence of a powerful China undermine the values that we defend? China offers an alternative model of development in which democracy is not a prerequisite for prosperity. This model is attractive to a number of developing countries, notably in Africa, where the value of China as a major donor is recognised, and it is seen as a very significant partner in commercial enterprises. What are the consequences for our values and our interests? Are we in transition towards a political and cultural relativism?
2. China in the world: Are we moving towards a sino-american hegemony, a G2 or a ‘Chinamerica', and if so, what are the consequences for Europe?
3. Economic aspects: What are the consequences seen by France and the United Kingdom of the emergence of China in the economy (commerce, currency, investments, innovation, environment, and global economic governance).
4. Cultural aspects: Are we providing ourselves with the tools to better know and understand China? The development of Chinese Studies in France and the United Kingdom.
The seminar will be chaired by Jonathan Fenby