- So, miss Vartan, your soldier has abandoned you for the moment? It's us who are somewhat to blame...
- Oh! mr Prime Minister, it's perfectly normal, and Johnny and I write to each other every day.
This near historic meeting occured yesterday in the foyer of the Palais de Chaillot, during the "nuit de Saint-Cyr 1964", held in honour of the "Centenaire de Camerone" promotion.
Sylvie Vartan, who had accepted to draw numbers for the raffle, was making her way to the stage when Mr Messmer, minister of the armed forces, bumped into her.
"Permission for leave"
Galantly the minister excused himself and indroduced himself under the amused eye of Mr Pompidou who started the conversation.
"Now that I know you" said Sylvie, laughing, "I might just call you from time to time to get a little leave for him".
"With pleasure, miss, however I don't believe your soldier-fiancé will need our intervention as, if I am to believe my sources and the press, he behaves himself very well".
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From left to right:
Mr Pompidou, the evening's organiser Albert Sursin and Sylvie Vartan
"Well then!" said Mr Pompidou, all smiles, "we shall give a toast to his next leave".
"Jolly nice"
While the official party reentered the room, Sylvie Vartan confided in me, deeply moved:
"Pompidou and Messmer made a strong impression on me on the TV, but like that in flesh and blood, I found them jolly nice!"
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