‘The worries of Don Quigaulle. The new Sancho is trotting English-style …’ On 11 May 1963, German cartoonist Ernst Maria Lang portrays the difficult relationship between French President de Gaulle and Ludwig Erhard, German Vice-Chancellor and Minister for the Economy, who, unlike the French President, is in favour of British accession to the Common Market. On the left, Chancellor Adenauer accompanies de Gaulle on his horse.

‘The lord’s visit or the Bonn impromptu. Well, Madame, at your age, my compliments! Maybe we should resort to the belt thing?’ On 3 July 1963, just a few months after the signing of the Élysée Treaty, French cartoonist Roland Moisan paints an ironic picture of the attempts by Konrad Adenauer, depicted as a queen, to develop closer relations with US President John F. Kennedy. This Atlanticist shift in West German policy is met with astonishment and irritation by General de Gaulle (on the left), who, accompanied by his Foreign Minister Maurice Couve de Murville, criticises this lack of loyalty from Germany. In the background on the right, we can make out Ludwig Erhard, Federal Minister for the Economy, who is an Atlanticist and is in favour of establishing close relations with the United States.

On 4 and 5 July 1963, the first consultations between France and Germany are held in Bonn, leading to the signing of the agreement establishing the Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO). The photo shows German Chancellor Adenauer welcoming General de Gaulle (on the left) as he arrives at Wahn airport.

‘Make yourself comfortable, Mr Erhard, what brings you here?’ On 20 November 1963, French cartoonist Roland Moisan illustrates the future cooperation — which looks set to be difficult — between General de Gaulle and the new Federal Chancellor Erhard. Erhard, not known for being a Francophile and highly Atlanticist in his views, will find it hard to compete with the mutual admiration and deep friendship between de Gaulle and former Chancellor Adenauer.

‘The Brussels meet for the European title: King Charles versus Big Ludwig.’ On 12 December 1963, in anticipation of the forthcoming meeting of the Six in Brussels on the establishment of a common agricultural market, French cartoonist Lap portrays the difficult negotiations to come between General Charles de Gaulle (on the left) and Federal Chancellor Ludwig Erhard (on the right).

‘Menu: Dr ERHARD in a casserole with mushrooms and herbs. Menu: de Gaulle with sauerkraut and apple fritters. “Let me warn you, if you don’t jump into the oven straight away there’ll be no Christmas dinner!”’ On 25 December 1963, British cartoonist Michael Cummings paints an ironic picture of the tensions and distrust between Charles de Gaulle and Ludwig Erhard. The French President (on the left) and the Federal Chancellor (on the right), depicted as chefs, each have a very specific idea of what should be on the menu for their Christmas dinner. On 16 October 1963, Ludwig Erhard became Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. But the Atlantic and European views of the French President and the new Federal Chancellor seem irreconcilable and the points of disagreement become increasingly numerous: their vision of Europe, the issue of British accession to the European Communities, the transatlantic link with the United States, and the question of European agriculture.

‘The ruthless march forward. I am Europe!’ On 18 January 1964, German cartoonist Henri Meyer-Brockmann paints an ironic picture of the European ideal of General de Gaulle, who dreams of a Europe under French leadership. In Greek mythology, Europa rides a bull, but here we see the French President in Europa’s place, and his heedless charge leaves no one unscathed. His numerous victims include Federal Chancellor Ludwig Erhard (on the right).

Handshake between French President Charles de Gaulle (on the right) and German Chancellor Ludwig Erhard (on the left) on the steps of the Élysée Palace in Paris on 14 February 1964 at the end of the Franco-German summit.

‘Athletics meet between France and Germany. NATO, Common Market, Europe.’ On 15 February 1964, French cartoonist Lap illustrates the issues surrounding the Paris summit between French President Charles de Gaulle (on the right) and Federal Chancellor Ludwig Erhard (on the left). The two leaders are due to address a wide range of subjects including Europe, the Common Market and NATO.

‘Yes, indeed. We all give what we can. My contribution is fuss and bother.’ On 15 February 1964, French cartoonist Jacques Faizant illustrates the numerous differences of opinion between President de Gaulle and Chancellor Erhard at the third Franco-German summit held in Paris on 14 and 15 February. Negotiations are set to be difficult, and the items on the agenda are starting to pile up (‘Common Market’, ‘delegation of French MPs to East Berlin’, ‘Chinese policy’). Slumped in his armchair, Federal Chancellor Erhard seems exhausted at the many demands made by France. Prime Minister Pompidou is waving a fan to keep him cool, while Marianne is pouring a cognac to boost the spirits of the German partner.

‘If de Gaulle comes with his uniform, I’m all set! …’ On 1 July 1964, French cartoonist Lap (Jacques Laplaine) illustrates the strained relations between French President Charles de Gaulle and Federal Chancellor Ludwig Erhard. Erhard, in military uniform with a pointed helmet, is waiting steadfastly for the arrival of his French counterpart.

‘Rêveries. Savage! …’ On 13 November 1964, cartoonist Padry paints an ironic picture of the strained relations between the new Federal Chancellor Ludwig Erhard, who has a highly Atlanticist view and favours direct relations with the United States, and French President Charles de Gaulle, a fervent defender of national sovereignty. The period of good relations and complicity between Adenauer and de Gaulle (sat together at the piano) seems to be over. The atmosphere has become much more chilly between Paris and Bonn. On the left, Chancellor Ludwig Erhard, smoking a cigar, is disturbing the good relations that once existed between the Franco-German duo with his jukebox (‘made in USA’).

‘And now get to work, and if you haven’t spun your wheat into gold by 15 December you’ll have to die.’ On 21 November 1964, German cartoonist Horst Haitzinger takes an ironic look at the difficult negotiations between French President de Gaulle and Federal Chancellor Erhard to determine common cereal prices in preparation for the drafting of the common agricultural policy (CAP).

‘It’s Lulu’s lucky day. I’ve decided to be a mother to this baby, who was only just born this time last year.’ On 19 and 20 January 1965, Chancellor Erhard is received by General de Gaulle at the Château de Rambouillet to address the problems associated with German reunification and the revival of European Political Union. On 20 January 1965, French cartoonist Roland Moisan gives an ironic depiction of the difficult, tense relations between the two men. From left to right, Maurice Couve de Murville, French Foreign Minister, is running along behind President Charles de Gaulle, depicted as a nun, who reaffirms his desire to mother the young Federal Chancellor Ludwig Erhard. In the background, former Chancellor Konrad Adenauer is depicted as a statue of Pan, the god of shepherds, pastures and woods in Greek mythology.

‘Ah … I forgot to tell you that the château was haunted …’ On 21 January 1965, as talks are held between de Gaulle and Erhard at the Château de Rambouillet, French cartoonist Jacques Laplaine (Lap) paints an ironic picture of the meeting between the two leaders. The situation is critical, as General de Gaulle wants Federal Chancellor Ludwig Erhard to choose between the Old Continent — joining forces with France to create the core of an independent political Europe — and the United States. Moreover, the ghosts and memories of the past, recalling General de Gaulle’s friendship with former Chancellor Adenauer (on the right), are hovering nearby and haunting the occasion, making Ludwig Erhard (on the left) feel uneasy as the future of Franco-German relations is played out.

‘The oracle’. On 13 February 1965, taking inspiration from Greek mythology and the abduction of Europa by Zeus (the bull), German cartoonist Wolfgang Hicks illustrates French President de Gaulle’s idea of a united Europe and the role he hopes to play on the European stage. West Germany, represented as the little ‘German Michel’, and the young Europa, kneeling down, listen devotedly to the message of the ‘oracle’, sparking the anger of the bull.

‘An exciting adventure with Lady Europe. Be assured, dear sir, that I will obey you in all circumstances. However, I fear that this road is going nowhere.’ On 13 February 1965, in light of the many differences of opinion between Bonn and Paris, German cartoonist Siegl takes an ironic look at the policy of grandeur and independence pursued by the French President and emphasises the warnings issued by Federal Chancellor Erhard at the path taken by General de Gaulle.

‘Sporting weekend in Bonn.’ In June 1965, as bilateral talks are held between France and Germany in Bonn, German cartoonist Ernst Maria Lang illustrates the difficult negotiations between President Charles de Gaulle (on the left) and Federal Chancellor Ludwig Erhard (on the right) on the question of the funding of the common agricultural policy (CAP).

On 11 and 12 June 1965, French President Charles de Gaulle (on the left) meets Federal Chancellor Ludwig Erhard (on the right) for bilateral talks in Bonn. The two men discuss major European issues (including the common agricultural market and political Europe) and international issues (the German question, the Atlantic Alliance, transatlantic relations, etc.), but there is profound disagreement between Paris and Bonn over the main topics raised.

On the margins of the sixth Franco-German summit in Bonn between Charles de Gaulle and Ludwig Erhard on 11 and 12 June 1965, the French President meets former German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.

‘Here’s the French solution.’ On 9 July 1965, the French weekly satirical publication Le Canard enchaîné publishes a cartoon by Lap illustrating the Gaullist vision of European policy: ‘A Europe of my Six’ moving forward under the command of General de Gaulle.

‘Be a good chap, Charlie, come back — we’ll give the limo a make-over, all right?’ In July 1965, German cartoonist Hanns Erich Köhler comments on the French Government’s decision to boycott intergovernmental meetings of Community bodies in Brussels, thereby provoking the ‘empty chair’ crisis. As French President Charles de Gaulle leaves the ‘EEC car’, German Chancellor Erhard looks on in irritation.

On 21 July 1965, in Bonn, the German Chancellor, Ludwig Erhard (centre), the former Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer (right) and the French President, Charles de Gaulle (left) discuss Franco-German relations and the progress of European integration.

‘Consolation for Europe — Believe me! Our Charles will come back!’ In July 1965, German cartoonist Siegl uses the myth of the abduction of Europa to illustrate the reaction of Federal Chancellor Ludwig Erhard to the decision taken by General Charles de Gaulle, President of the French Republic, to boycott the intergovernmental meetings of the Community bodies in Brussels, thereby provoking the ‘empty chair’ crisis.

‘EEC — The troublesome cat from Brussels. Will it let them play again in Luxembourg?’ On 28 January 1966, as the Luxembourg Extraordinary European Council is held, German cartoonist Wilhelm Hartung illustrates the difficult negotiations to find a solution to the empty chair crisis, which has been paralysing Community operations for six months. Will it be possible to secure a political compromise to put an end to the trial of strength between France and its five European partners? And will there be any improvement in relations between General de Gaulle (on the right) and Federal Chancellor Erhard (on the left)? Since Ludwig Erhard has become Chancellor, relations between the two leaders have become decidedly strained.

‘Seconds out, round two!’ On 29 January 1966, commenting on the extraordinary Council meeting being held in Luxembourg under the Presidency of Pierre Werner, Luxembourg Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, German cartoonist Stig portrays the trial of strength between France and its five European partners in their attempts to resolve the ‘empty chair’ crisis which has crippled the operation of the Community over the past six months. In the ring, German Federal Foreign Minister Gerhard Schröder (on the left) and his French counterpart Maurice Couve de Murville (on the right).

‘Variable-level discussion.’ On 9 February 1966, French cartoonist Pol Ferjac illustrates the difficult relationship between General de Gaulle and German Chancellor Ludwig Erhard. Erhard’s policy gives priority to his country’s relations with the United States and he is in favour of the United Kingdom’s accession to the European Economic Community, which irritates the French President. Erhard, depicted as a stout figure smoking a cigar, is sitting on a high chair so that he is at the same level as de Gaulle, who is virtually forced to sit on the ground to come face to face with his German partner.

‘Eurovision’. On 26 February 1966, German cartoonist Gerhardt Hentrich illustrates the vision of Federal Chancellor Ludwig Erhard, who dreams of friendly cooperation with French President Charles de Gaulle within a European framework. The years 1963 to 1966 are marked by many differences of opinion between the two men and relations between France and Germany are peppered with tensions and crises.

‘Those were the days’. On 4 June 1966, Fritz Behrendt, a Dutch cartoonist originally from Berlin, offers an ironic depiction of Germany’s role on the international stage. Federal Chancellor Ludwig Erhard, depicted as Germania, pictures himself being courted by British Prime Minister Harold Wilson (on the left), French President de Gaulle and US President Lyndon B. Johnson (on the right).

‘Flexible’. On 2 July 1966, cartoonist Horst Haitzinger portrays the difficult relationship between French President de Gaulle and German Chancellor Erhard. Top image: Chancellor Erhard is torn between his desire for close cooperation with the United States (on the left: US President Richard Nixon) and maintaining good relations with General de Gaulle. Bottom image: German Chancellor Erhard does not appreciate General de Gaulle’s policy of developing closer relations with Moscow. Fears are running high in the FRG after the French President’s spectacular trip to the Soviet Union from 20 June to 1 July 1966.

‘11 November 1966. Will kapitulate? Won’t kapitulate? Well, Herr Marshal Ludwig von Erhard, I’m waiting!’ On 9 November 1966, two days before the commemoration of the signing of the 1918 Armistice, which marked the end of the First World War and the defeat of Germany, French cartoonist Roland Moisan takes inspiration from these events to illustrate the strained relations and distrust between French President Charles de Gaulle (on the left) and Federal Chancellor Ludwig Erhard (on the right, sitting at the negotiating table). Former Chancellor Konrad Adenauer (wearing the pointed helmet) is trying to walk towards his former French partner to extend a hand, but he is held back by his own men.

At the ninth Franco-German summit held in Paris on 13 and 14 January 1967, President Charles de Gaulle and Chancellor Kurt Georg Kiesinger (on the left) meet for further consultations between their two countries.

‘The dish of reconciliation’. On 13 and 14 January 1967, West German Chancellor Kurt Georg Kiesinger and his Foreign Minister Willy Brandt meet General de Gaulle at the Élysée Palace to discuss ongoing European issues and try to revive cooperation between the two countries. On 14 January, German cartoonist Hanns Erich Köhler paints an ironic picture of Franco-German relations. The new rapprochement between Paris and Bonn will not be straightforward, especially since relations between General de Gaulle and previous Chancellor Erhard were particularly strained. French Foreign Minister Maurice Couve de Murville presents his guests with the main course, which is garnished with the heads of former Federal Chancellor Ludwig Erhard and his Foreign Minister Gerhard Schröder.

‘Growing self-confidence. If he’s calling us Schorsch Kisengsché and Guillaume Brang, we should be brave enough to call him Karli Kaule from time to time.’ On 11 March 1967, German cartoonist Manfred Oesterle illustrates the difficulties experienced by Federal Chancellor Kurt Georg Kiesinger (on the right) and his Foreign Minister Willy Brandt (on the left) to restore the lines of communication with French President de Gaulle, who is not proving to be very cooperative. In a parody of a Louis XIV portrait by French painter Hyacinthe Rigaud, President de Gaulle is depicted as an absolute, all-powerful monarch. Despite attempts by the German leaders to breathe new life into the Franco-German duo, relations between Paris and Bonn remain strained.

‘Balancing act in Bonn’. On 26 April 1967, a Dutch cartoonist originally from Berlin, Fritz Behrendt paints an ironic picture of the difficult balancing act of West German Chancellor Kurt Georg Kiesinger (centre), who has to try to maintain the transatlantic link with US President Johnson (on the left) and work to foster good relations with his French partner, President de Gaulle (on the right). Keeping a balance between these two positions seems to be a tricky exercise.

‘European bathing season. Maybe the time has come to put some water in the pool.’ On 3 June 1967, given French President de Gaulle’s uncompromising position on the question of British accession to the EEC, German cartoonist Brockmann illustrates the mediation attempts by Federal Chancellor Kurt Georg Kiesinger (on the left) to break the deadlock. In the background, Harold Wilson, British Prime Minister, in an EEC bathing suit, is taking a risky dive in a swimming pool with no water, while Willy Brandt, Federal Foreign Minister, is busy cleaning the bottom of the pool.

On 12 July 1967, Federal Chancellor Kurt Georg Kiesinger welcomes French President Charles de Gaulle (on the left) to the Palais Schaumburg in Bonn for Franco-German consultations.

On 12 September 1967, as the 10th Franco-German consultations are held in Bonn, Federal Chancellor Kurt Georg Kiesinger (on the right) welcomes French Prime Minister Georges Pompidou (on the left) to Schaumburg Palace, where the two men try to revive Franco-German relations.

‘Consolation’ – Kiesinger: ‘Hang on in there, Wilson! Let me play you a little tune while you’re waiting…’ On 28 October 1967, the German cartoonist Ernst Maria Lang illustrates the difficulties that the British Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, faces as he tries to ensure the success of United Kingdom’s second application for accession to the European Communities. Despite having the support of the German Chancellor, Kurt Georg Kiesinger, Harold Wilson still faces the inflexibility of the French President, Charles de Gaulle.

‘I thought I made it clear: no women allowed!’ On 28 September 1968, German cartoonist Wolfgang Hicks illustrates the prevailing tensions during the Franco-German talks on 27 and 28 September. French President Charles de Gaulle (on the left) is harshly critical of the foreign policy pursued by the Federal Republic of Germany and rebukes Federal Chancellor Kurt Georg Kiesinger (second from the right) for his accommodating position on the question of EEC enlargement to include the United Kingdom. The German Chancellor is flanked by his Foreign Minister Willy Brandt and Finance Minister Franz Josef Strauß.

On 13 August 1969, German cartoonist Ernst Maria Lang illustrates the serious monetary instability that is affecting Europe. As France devalues its national currency, the German authorities are pursuing a policy of revaluing the Deutschmark, which becomes Europe’s major currency. In view of this instability, the EEC car, with French President Georges Pompidou at the wheel, is finding it difficult to get going. Sitting in the back, Federal Chancellor Kurt Georg Kiesinger stresses to his Minister for the Economy, Karl Schiller, that he should avoid drawing the attention of the French partner to the imbalance between a strong mark and a weak franc.

On 8 and 9 September 1969, the 14th Franco-German summit is held in Bonn. During these consultations, the French President and German Chancellor raise the question of the development of the EEC, and particularly the future of the Common Market and the Customs Union. The photo shows Federal Chancellor Kurt Georg Kiesinger (on the left) speaking to French President Georges Pompidou on the steps of Castle Ernich, the residence of the French Ambassador to West Germany.

‘EEC summit meeting — From up here on the butter mountain, we have a splendid view of the sugar mountain and the cereal range, and in the far distance we can just make out Great Britain.’ On 2 December 1969, as the Hague Summit takes place, German cartoonist Hanns Erich Köhler illustrates the various challenges facing the EEC Member States, including surplus production within the common agricultural policy (CAP) and the question of the United Kingdom’s accession to the EEC. Despite the obstacles ahead for the climbers, French President Georges Pompidou encourages Federal Chancellor Willy Brandt to continue climbing. The revival of European integration at the end of 1969 was largely thanks to an initiative by French President Georges Pompidou, who proposed that a European summit be held in the Dutch city of The Hague. The event raised hopes among the general public and leading figures in the Community, since Pompidou saw this initiative as a way of helping the Community recover from the state of near paralysis from which it had been suffering since General de Gaulle adopted radical positions on certain European issues.

‘Pompidou–Brandt summit. OK for equitabrandt cooperation … vibrandt friendship … and a supranationality that’s not too unmanageabrandt.’ On 7 February 1970, following the first meeting between Pompidou and Brandt on 30 and 31 January in Paris, French cartoonist Jean Effel paints an ironic picture of the attempts to establish closer relations between France and Germany under President Georges Pompidou. From left to right: Georges Pompidou, President of the French Republic, Maurice Schumann, French Foreign Minister, and Willy Brandt, West German Chancellor.

The President of the French Republic, Georges Pompidou, and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), Willy Brandt, at the Franco-German consultation meeting held on 3 July 1970 in Bonn.

‘Franco-German summit. The jigsaw puzzle.’ On 4 July 1970, following the Franco-German summit in Bonn, French cartoonist Jean Effel illustrates the differences of opinion between France and Germany over foreign policy. For French President Georges Pompidou, the priority is the United Kingdom’s accession to the European Economic Community, while Federal Chancellor Willy Brandt is working actively for a policy of normalising relations and openness to the East (Ostpolitik). This policy aims to return the economic powerhouse that is the FRG to its rightful place on the international stage in the general context of East–West détente. The two leaders are depicted in short trousers over a jigsaw puzzle, each redrawing the map of Europe according to his priorities. Brandt (on the right) takes a piece representing the German Democratic Republic, to the great regret of Pompidou (on the left), who is holding the United Kingdom in his hand. In the ‘Europe’ box, the next piece, marked ‘PL’, refers to Poland.

On 28 January 1971, French cartoonist Calvi illustrates the determination of German Chancellor Willy Brandt (on the right) and French President Georges Pompidou (on the left) to revive the European integration process. At the consultation meeting between France and the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) on 24 and 25 January 1971, the two leaders reached agreement on a series of measures for the achievement of economic and monetary union.

‘European currency project. Not forgetting the guilder, the note should be the liracal expression of this sterling achievement; it should mark the essence of a franc and loyal agreement.’ On 29 January 1971, French cartoonist Gustave Erlich paints an ironic picture of the slow progress in the establishment of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Federal Chancellor Willy Brandt (centre) listens attentively to the proposals of President Georges Pompidou (on the right) on the European currency project. Following the Franco-German summit held on 25 and 26 January 1971, the two leaders agree on the length of the first stage that is to lead to Economic and Monetary Union, but in practice the commitment of France and West Germany remains limited.

‘Mooring manœuvre.’ On 7 April 1971, in the light of the reluctant attitude of Georges Pompidou, President of the French Republic, German cartoonist Ernst Maria Lang illustrates the role of mediator played by German Chancellor Willy Brandt, who offers his help to British Prime Minister Edward Heath to anchor the United Kingdom to the European Communities.

On 12 July 1971, French cartoonist Tim (Louis Mitelberg) illustrates the blunt refusal by French President Georges Pompidou (on the left) of the plan put forward by Federal Chancellor Willy Brandt (on the right, with outstretched hand), in which he proposes to his European partners, including France, that they allow their currencies to float jointly against the dollar in an attempt to combat the effects of the international monetary crisis. The German proposal is met with a flat refusal by Georges Pompidou, who advocates a policy of fixed exchange rates and the establishment of a support mechanism for European currencies.

‘France-Germany devalued. It’s 14-18 at 13.50.’ On 25 August 1971, French cartoonist Roland Moisan illustrates the monetary turbulence in France and West Germany following the decision by US President Nixon to abrogate the Bretton Woods Agreement, resulting in the suspension of dollar/gold parity. French President Pompidou criticises the dangers of a generalised floating of currencies and, unlike his German partner, advocates the idea of maintaining fixed parity between currencies. The monetary tensions between the two countries are running so high that Moisan depicts President Georges Pompidou in a First World War uniform and Chancellor Willy Brandt as a German soldier with a pointed helmet, both armed and squaring up against each other in trenches resembling those of the First World War.

On 3 December 1971, during a visit to Paris, the German Chancellor, Willy Brandt, and the French President, Georges Pompidou, discuss, in particular, the monetary crisis and relations between the European Communities and the United States.

‘Mount Europe. Heading for the summit? It’s the mountaineers! “And to think that there are others who are floating … Shut up and climb.”’ On 5 July 1972, French cartoonist Jean-Marie Kerleroux offers an ironic depiction of the efforts of French President Georges Pompidou, who is working with Federal Chancellor Willy Brandt to establish a common Franco-German position on the issue of currency fluctuations in Europe.

The Heads of State or Government of the nine Member States of the enlarged European Community meet for the first time at the Paris European Summit held from 19 to 21 October 1972. During this meeting, the Heads of State or Government confirm their wish to strengthen political cooperation.

‘Here’s to the next ten years …’ On 23 January 1973, German cartoonist Horst Haitzinger illustrates the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Élysée Treaty, with French President Georges Pompidou (on the left) and Federal Chancellor Willy Brandt (on the right) toasting the next ten years of Franco-German cooperation. The shadow cast on the wall is not that of the Franco-German duo of 1973, but of the signatories of 1963, President de Gaulle and Chancellor Adenauer; this emphasises the continuity of cooperation between France and the Federal Republic of Germany.

‘Together — not afraid of the big animals …’ On 24 January 1973, Fritz Behrendt, a Dutch cartoonist originally from Berlin, takes an ironic look at the role and influence of the Franco-German duo as a player in international relations alongside the major world powers (the United States is depicted as an eagle — President Richard Nixon; China as a dragon — Chairman Mao; and the Soviet Union as a bear — President of the Supreme Soviet Leonid Brezhnev).