Guisan, Henri

Autograph questionnaire signed, one page, 8 x 10,25 inch - affixed on a slightly larger sheet, `Conseil de la République Française` printed stationery (verso), 29.04.1949, in French, Henri Guisan answers to five questions written by his correspondent (with lengthy responses) - related to the intensive training of young Swiss gunmen, making them among the best, the legendary comradeship in the Swiss army, about Swiss soldiers breakfast including chocolate, cheese and coffee, written and signed in dark ink "Gén. Guisan", attractively mounted (removable) for fine display with a photograph, shows Henri Guisan in a beautiful chest-up portrait in uniform (altogether 16,5 x 11,75 inch), with overall mild age wear and toning, an extremely small area of paper loss to the bottom right corner (only affecting the year of the letter) - in fine condition.

In parts (translated):

`Why Switzerland has only one single General and so many Colonels?`

"It is established according to our Constitution, very democratic. There is only a General during war time. He has at that time more extended powers than any other country has. During peace time there is no Commander in Chief; the army is administrated by the Minister of war […]"

`What is, my general, your most beautiful remembrance?`

"[…] and as General, the day when a brave woman arrived with her little boy asking permission to kiss the fusilier´s battalion flag under which her husband died!"