Macron is trying to bathe in de Gaulle’s glory. It won’t work

Emmanuel Macron never misses an historical opportunity to emblazon his banner. One is reminded of the nineteenth century diplomat Talleyrand whose ulterior motives were so notorious that on learning of the Frenchman’s death the Austrian statesman Metternich enquired nervously ‘What did he mean by that?’ 

Tomorrow, president Macron will be in London – exempted of quarantine – hosted by Prince Charles for the 80th anniversary of General de Gaulle’s appel du 18 juin that began resistance against Nazi occupation and Marshal Pétain’s collaborationist government. Why in the teeth of the Covid epidemic has the French president, who has cancelled all foreign visits since February, chosen to fly to London to award the city the Legion of Honour?

The pretext is historical, but the ulterior motives highly political. Charles de Gaulle, an unknown brigadier, flew to London on 17 June 1940 chaperoned by Churchill’s British liaison officer General Spears. The following day, Churchill organised the General’s BBC broadcast to the French people (listened to by very few) and installed him at 6 Seymour Place, near Hyde Park.