Louis ARAGON (1897-1982). Autograph manuscript signed, [1963 - Lot 403

Louis ARAGON (1897-1982). Autograph manuscript signed, [1963]; 1 1/2 pages in-4. On Franco-German rapprochement. "The hatred fostered between France and Germany [...] has always been contrary to my feelings". The men of his generation were nourished by German culture and, on the eve of the Second World War, he tried to say so in the magazine he edited. "The invasion naturally found me as a fighter, a defender of my homeland. I don't believe, even in the heart of the fight against the occupier, that I ever extended my anger beyond the men whose crimes deserved it." Once peace had returned, he prefaced a book by Heinrich von Kleist and called for Franco-German rapprochement, "a rapprochement of the heart, not of chancelleries. [...] Unfortunately, the "rapprochement" of our governments seems too much like an alliance in preparation for a possible war. Friendship between us can only be friendship for peace", and although Germany is divided, rapprochement must be with "all Germans". But "we must not put the cart before the horse. [...] Let the Germans begin by reconciling, then, I believe for my country, the French people will sincerely take the hand of the German people". And he concludes: "In any case, Franco-German friendship cannot be frank, and lasting, if it is accompanied by the trigger noise of rifles being cocked, and an annoying orchestra of boots, on both sides."