No country without an atom bomb could properly consider itself independent.

France has no friends, only interests.

Diplomats are useful only in fair weather. As soon as it rains they drown in every drop.

War stirs in men's hearts the mud of their worst instincts. It puts a premium on violence, nourishes hatred, and gives free rein to cupidity. It crushes the weak, exalts the unworthy, and bolsters tyranny .. .Time and time again it has destroyed all ordered living, devastated hope, and put the prophets to death.

Once upon a time there was an old country, wrapped up in habit and caution. We have to transform our old France into a new country and marry it to its time.

France has lost the battle but she has not lost the war.

I cannot prevent the French from being French