‘French tourist’ writes Brexit letter complaining about Brits he had ‘displeasure’ to meet on Devon holiday – but is it genuine?
Some believe it may be a HOAX as it is signed Henri Philippe Pétain - who was a famous French general who died in 1951
A "FRENCH tourist" says he's glad the UK is leaving the EU after apparently making a trip to Devon - then "writing a letter" to moan about the attitude of the locals.
Using the name Henri Philippe Petain, the man claims he recently visited Fremington, a village between Bideford and Barnstaple, in North Devon for a six-day holiday.
'Henri', who lives in Fremington's twinned village, Colombelles in France, said he was "taken aback by the attitude of most people" he had the "displeasure to meet" and says he is "glad the British have chosen to leave the European Project".
In a letter to the North Devon Journal, Monsieur Petain wrote: "Having just returned to France after an eventful six-day visit to our twin town of Fremington, I was somewhat taken aback by the attitude of most people I had the displeasure to meet.
"For it confirmed what the great French leader Charles De Gaulle said at the time Britain was in negotiations to join the then EEC, 'The British are an island race and never have been, nor will they be, European at heart', and that's certainly true of people in the North Devon area.
"Therefore I am glad the British have chosen to leave the European Project, it now means France along with Germany can move forward as one, without having to look back over the channel as to what the British will do next to sabotage the centuries-old dream of unity.
"After the fall of France in 1940 with the British army having scurried back over the channel with their tails between their legs leaving France to her fate Von Ribbentrop, the then German foreign minister, looking toward Dover told the French, 'our common enemy now lies over there', and as far as I am concerned Europe's enemy still does."
But some believe the letter may be a HOAX, as Henri Philippe Pétain was a famous French general who reached the distinction of Marshal of France, and died in 1951.
However, real or not it has certainly put a few noses out of joint.
Frank Biederman, Independent councilor for Fremington, said: "I was surprised and a little suspicious of the letter. It seemed designed to cause friction and certainly had a political agenda behind it.
"We in Fremington pride ourselves on our community spirit, with many clubs and groups taking place for all ages.
"We are very proud to currently have North Devon's no 1 Cafe, Fremington Quay Cafe who won the award at last weeks North Devon Journal Tourism awards, voted for by the public.
"The youth football club last year won the active devon club of the year award.
"The school children at the local primary school are recognised by ofsted for their politeness, kind nature and welcome visitors to the school and take great pride in their school.
"Our annual music festival also welcomes visitors from far and Wide with open arms.
"I do not know who our French visitor met on his visit, but my local enquiries have not turned up any one official, including members of the twinning association, but I would very much like to invite him to come again so I can show him the true Fremington if he wishes to do so."
