Letter of condolence from M. Jacques CHIRAC, President of the Republic, to M. George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, following the death of former President Gerald Ford
Taroudannt, 27 December 2006
President Bush, [handwritten:] Dear George,
I was saddened to learn of the death of former president Gerald Ford. Both personally and on behalf of the French people, I would like to express my sincerest condolences at this painful time.
It is with respect and emotion that today I salute this great statesman who, after a long congressional career, was – in difficult circumstances – called on in 1974 to assume the highest responsibilities and to embody national unity. I want to pay tribute to his great moral qualities and his political courage.
I would like to convey my sympathies to Mrs Betty Ford and her children, and to the American people.
(complimentary close, with handwritten addition)
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