Entry for November 07, 2006

On this day in history 1942--Franklin Roosevelt became the 1st US President to broadcast in a foreign language (French). Here is the text of this address in English--
Washington, D. C., November 7, 1942
White House news release.
In connection with current military operations in French North Africa, the President has broadcasted by radio to the French people, the following message in French:

My friends, who suffer day and night, under the crushing yoke of the Nazis, I speak to you as one who was with your Army and Navy in France in 1918. I have held all my life the deepest friendship for the French people-for the entire French people. I retain and cherish the friendship of hundreds of French people in France and outside of France. I know your farms, your villages, and your cities. I know your soldiers, professors, and workmen. I know what a precious heritage of the French people are your homes, your culture, and the principles of democracy in France. I salute again and reiterate my faith in Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. No two Nations exist which are more united by historic and mutually friendly ties than the people of France and the United States.
Americans, with the assistance of the United Nations, are striving for their own safe future as well as the restoration of the ideals, the liberties, and the democracy of all those who have lived under the Tricolor.
We come among you to repulse the cruel invaders who would remove forever your rights of self-government, your rights to religious freedom, and your rights to live your own lives in peace and security.
We come among you solely to defeat and rout your enemies. Have faith in our words. We do not want to cause you any harm.
We assure you that once the menace of Germany and Italy is removed from you, we shall quit your territory at once.
I am appealing to your realism, to your self-interest and national ideals.
Do not obstruct, I beg of you, this great purpose.
Help us where you are able, my friends, and we shall see again the glorious day when liberty and peace shall reign again on earth.

(Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 blog)