To give them extra assurance that they came as trusted dignitaries, Tricot made a point that they should not be searched for weapons before entering the Elysée; he and Mathon would be the only others present at the interview in the room, and they would be unarmed. De Gaulle’s military aide, Colonel de Bonneval, was appalled at the security hazard, and — as a single precaution — a lone marksman was installed hidden behind a tapestry. The risks remained considerable, but de Gaulle — as always entirely fearless for his own physical safety — accepted them unhesitatingly.

Horne, Alistair, A Savage War of Peace- Alge…, loc. 1187