M. Churchill parle aux Français – Original French-Language Text of Winston Churchill’s Broadcast to France, 21 October 1940 – Provenance: Robert Hastings; The Churchill Collection of Steve Forbes

An original French-language wartime leaflet printing Winston Churchill’s famous broadcast to the French people of 21 October 1940, issued during one of the darkest periods of the Second World War following the fall of France.

Headed “M. Churchill parle aux Français”, the leaflet reproduces Churchill’s address as broadcast in French from London. Speaking directly to occupied and unoccupied France, Churchill sought to maintain French morale, reassure listeners that Britain remained committed to ultimate victory, and warn against German domination of Europe. The address is among Churchill’s most important wartime appeals to a continental audience, delivered at a moment when Britain stood virtually alone against Nazi Germany.

The text opens:

“C’est moi, Churchill, qui vous parle…”
(“It is I, Churchill, who speaks to you…”)

and proceeds as a direct and personal message to the French nation. Churchill reminds his listeners of the historic friendship between Britain and France, rejects German claims of inevitable victory, and argues that France’s future remains bound to the eventual defeat of Hitler. Particularly striking is Churchill’s warning that German victory would mean not merely military occupation but the destruction of French civilisation, institutions, culture and national independence.

The leaflet concludes with the emphatic declaration:

“VIVE LA FRANCE!”

As a printed wartime survival, the leaflet illustrates one of the most important elements of Allied propaganda and morale-building: direct communication from London to occupied Europe. Churchill’s broadcasts to France were central to British efforts to sustain resistance and preserve hope during the period between the fall of France and the eventual liberation of Europe.

Institutionally, Churchill’s wartime broadcasts to France are extensively documented and preserved in major archives, including the holdings of the Churchill Archives Centre and the collections of the Imperial War Museums. While records exist for Churchill’s broadcast of 21 October 1940, no separate institutional catalogue record for this specific leaflet edition has been traced.

This example possesses exceptional provenance. It formed part of the collection of Robert Hastings, noted Churchill scholar and collector, before entering The Churchill Collection of Steve Forbes, publisher of Forbes magazine and one of the most significant private Churchill collections assembled in modern times. The provenance is especially relevant, as Churchill himself is both the author and sole subject of the leaflet.

A scarce and highly desirable Churchill item combining wartime propaganda, French resistance history and distinguished collecting provenance.

Condition

Near fine. Light fold creases and minor handling wear. A clean, attractive example.

Details

Title: M. Churchill parle aux Français
Date: 1940 (broadcast of 21 October 1940)
Language: French
Format: Printed propaganda leaflet
Size: 13.6 x 21.3 cm
Subject: Winston Churchill, France, wartime broadcasting, Allied propaganda, Second World War
Provenance: Robert Hastings; The Churchill Collection of Steve Forbes

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