ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. Typed statement signed (“Franklin D. Roosevelt”), as President, 14 July 1942. A Bastille Day statement to the French people. 1 page, 4to, White House stationery. Mat burn.
THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN 
ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. Typed statement signed (“Franklin D. Roosevelt”), as President, 14 July 1942. A Bastille Day statement to the French people. 1 page, 4to, White House stationery. Mat burn.

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ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. Typed statement signed (“Franklin D. Roosevelt”), as President, 14 July 1942. A Bastille Day statement to the French people. 1 page, 4to, White House stationery. Mat burn.

ROOSEVELT SENDS A MESSAGE OF HOPE TO THE PEOPLE OF OCCUPIED FRANCE. Just over two years after the Germans conquered Paris, President Roosevelt marks the 153rd anniversary of the storming of the Bastille by sending this message to the French nation: “On this anniversary, which has so deep a significance to every lover of democracy, I express the hope that the people of France may soon again enjoy the blessings of liberty, equality and fraternity.” Four months later American troops would land in French North Africa, prompting Hitler to extend his occupation of France beyond the Vichy zone, to embrace the entire country. It was the first step in a slow, long process of fighting back the Nazi advance. Not until 25 August 1944 did American troops, accompanied by Free French Forces, liberate Paris and make Bastille Day a holiday for Frenchmen to celebrate once more.

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