Special edition (Édition Spéciale) of the French daily Soir de la Libération – “A daily newspaper founded in 1940 by the French Resistance in occupied France”, entirely dedicated to the visit of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to France, dated November 11, 1944. Impressive front page featuring colored Allied flags and portraits of Churchill and Charles de Gaulle. Rare.
The headline reads: “Bienvenue à Winston Churchill” – “Welcome to Winston Churchill.” The issue includes extensive articles quoting Churchill’s wartime speeches, emphasizing the solidarity and commitment of Britain to France. It opens with his first address of support to the French people on October 21, 1940, titled “Churchill Speaks to the French in French”: “France! For more than thirty years, in times of peace and war, I have walked with you, and I walk with you still, on the same path… I speak to you, in your homes, wherever you may be, and of what your fate shall be… Here at home, in England… we do not forget the bonds that unite us with France… we continue to fight with resolve and strong hearts, so that freedom may return to Europe…”. The paper also features a collection of Churchill’s wartime declarations, including his early prediction: “In 1944, Armistice Day will be marked in liberated Paris.” On the second page are numerous photographs of Churchill—from his youth to his painting years—accompanied by selected excerpts from his speeches in the British House of Commons, Canada, and elsewhere during the war, in which he repeatedly voiced his unwavering support for the French nation and pledged victory over Nazi Germany. Churchill’s declaration is repeated throughout: “We shall not surrender… and France shall return to her rightful place—until victory is won.”
In November 1944, shortly after the liberation of Paris from Nazi occupation, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrived in France for a historic visit. The visit took place on the 26th anniversary of the end of World War I (Armistice Day) and became a powerful symbol of renewed reconciliation and recognition between Britain and France. During the official ceremonies in Paris, Churchill marched side by side with General Charles de Gaulle along the Champs-Élysées, greeted with great applause by thousands of enthusiastic Parisians. Together, they laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe and participated in additional formal events. During the visit, Churchill was granted the title of Honorary Citizen of the City of Paris. The occasion marked the renewal of the British–French alliance and constituted de facto recognition of de Gaulle’s provisional government. It is regarded as a pivotal moment in the restoration of France’s status as a sovereign Allied power. The visit was documented in rare photographs, including images of Churchill and de Gaulle walking together down the Champs-Élysées. (See coverage of this visit in HaMizrah Echo, November 17, 1944.)
[2] pages (complete folded sheet). 61 cm. Fold marks and minor tears (partially restored). Overall good condition.
