PRESIDENT CHIRAC of France has sent a personal apology to the Queen for the desecration of a British war cemetery near Boulogne by anti-war protesters, and has attempted to reassure her that the French are on Britain’s side in the Iraqi conflict.

Palace officials said last night that they were preparing a reply, but would first consult ministers. Downing Street said it “unreservedly welcomed” M Chirac’s sentiments.

The President’s letter, sent to the Queen in French — which she reads fluently — with an accompanying English translation, reflected the anger and shame widely felt in France over the defiling of the cemetery at Etaples, which contains the graves of 11,000 British Servicemen, most of whom fell at Ypres and the Somme during the First World War. Slogans daubed on the cemetery monument included “Dig up your waste,” and “May Saddam prevail”. The vandalism was seen in France as an isolated incident, but it served to underline the Anglo-French split and the high emotions in France against the Iraq invasion.

A poll this week showed that a quarter of the French sided with Saddam Hussein.

Chirac's letter to the Queen

Madam, I was appalled and deeply shocked to learn of the desecration of the British cemetery at Etaples in Pas-deCalais.

This defacement is unacceptable and shameful, and has aroused the unanimous reprobation of the French.

On behalf of France and personally, I want to express to you my most sincere regrets. France knows what she owes to the tremendous devotion and courage of the British soldiers who came to help her to regain her freedom in the fight against barbarity.

The United Kingdom and France are two great countries and two great peoples, bound together by history and common values. I can tell you that at the moment when your soldiers are engaged in combat, the thoughts of the French are naturally turning towards them.

M Chirac closed his letter with the formula appropriate for correspondence between heads of state. In French this reads:

Je vous prie de croire, madame, à l’assurance de mes très respecteux hommages.” In English: Madam, please accept the sincerity of my very deep respect for you.

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