"Friendship is More Important than Protocol": Charles de Gaulle Greets Konrad Adenauer (September 27, 1963)
Despite significant differences of opinion on policy matters regarding Europe and NATO, Konrad Adenauer and Charles de Gaulle were able to decisively advance the cause of German-French reconciliation with the Elysée Treaty, whose conclusion owed much to the mutal confidence and personal friendship between the two men. Already in September 1958, Adenauer was the first and only official foreign guest invited to de Gaulle’s country estate in Colombey-les-deux-Églises. Shortly before his resignation in October 1963, the West German leader (left) made a farewell visit to France, where, in an unusual departure from protocol, he was personally received by President de Gaulle (right) at the airport. Photographer unknown.
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