A HoI AAR by Lord British
"Even when I am gone, I shall remain in people's minds the star of their rights, my name will be the war cry of their efforts, the motto of their hopes." - Napoleon
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A HoI AAR by Lord British
January 1936
"The Facist Revolution has begun!"
"The Facist Revolution has begun, The Facist Revolution has begun!". This was shouted tirelessly from the podium under the grandoise Arc de Triumph. There, on that impressive podium swathed with the colours of the Republic –red, white and blue, stood Jean-Veré Sanvea, the leader of the United Fascist Party of France - La partie fasciste unie de la France. "The time has come for France to finally retake its rightful place among the powers of the world - we, the Fascist leaders of France shall bring to the people of the glory of yesteryear - and we shall ensure that it is preserved for the future generations of the Republic. Vive la France!"
The crowd broke into histerical cheering. Women, clutching the Tricolour flag, cried, not of sadness or despair, but because a wave of undying love for their country, a passionate patriotism, had touched their hearts. As the tricolour banners waved gently in the bitter winter air, Sanvea noticed a portrait of Napoleon bobbing around somewhere in the crowd. He then realised that he, like Napoleon before him, now held power of the greatest nation on earth, and that he, and only he, was able to bring it to the final glory that providence had been promising for generations. He knew however, that the old Field Marshall, who had placed him in power just hours before, would inevitably get his way.
LONDON 20:23 P.M GMT
"This is the BBC Worldservice - good evening Britian. We have been forwareded news from our correspondents in Paris tonight that troops have marched on the French capital, led by Field Marshall Avaneux, one of France's greatest Great War military leaders. The Field Marshall's troops have taken control of all government buildings, and the entire French cabinet has been arrested and detained. It is reported that the Field Marshall has placed an unkown Fascist Party leader in power. As of yet, no other military uprisings have occured in France, and it is unclear if the Army High Command will recognise the coup that has installed the French Facist Party. The Foreign Secretary has called the French Ambassador in London to Downing Street for more information on the situation. The BBC will keep listeners posted on the political situation across the Channel. This is the BBC Homeservice."
* * *
Please keep in mind it is my first AAR, and any constructive criticism is welcome.
Regards,
LB
"The Facist Revolution has begun!"
"The Facist Revolution has begun, The Facist Revolution has begun!". This was shouted tirelessly from the podium under the grandoise Arc de Triumph. There, on that impressive podium swathed with the colours of the Republic –red, white and blue, stood Jean-Veré Sanvea, the leader of the United Fascist Party of France - La partie fasciste unie de la France. "The time has come for France to finally retake its rightful place among the powers of the world - we, the Fascist leaders of France shall bring to the people of the glory of yesteryear - and we shall ensure that it is preserved for the future generations of the Republic. Vive la France!"
The crowd broke into histerical cheering. Women, clutching the Tricolour flag, cried, not of sadness or despair, but because a wave of undying love for their country, a passionate patriotism, had touched their hearts. As the tricolour banners waved gently in the bitter winter air, Sanvea noticed a portrait of Napoleon bobbing around somewhere in the crowd. He then realised that he, like Napoleon before him, now held power of the greatest nation on earth, and that he, and only he, was able to bring it to the final glory that providence had been promising for generations. He knew however, that the old Field Marshall, who had placed him in power just hours before, would inevitably get his way.
LONDON 20:23 P.M GMT
"This is the BBC Worldservice - good evening Britian. We have been forwareded news from our correspondents in Paris tonight that troops have marched on the French capital, led by Field Marshall Avaneux, one of France's greatest Great War military leaders. The Field Marshall's troops have taken control of all government buildings, and the entire French cabinet has been arrested and detained. It is reported that the Field Marshall has placed an unkown Fascist Party leader in power. As of yet, no other military uprisings have occured in France, and it is unclear if the Army High Command will recognise the coup that has installed the French Facist Party. The Foreign Secretary has called the French Ambassador in London to Downing Street for more information on the situation. The BBC will keep listeners posted on the political situation across the Channel. This is the BBC Homeservice."
* * *
Please keep in mind it is my first AAR, and any constructive criticism is welcome.
Regards,
LB
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January 5th 1936
“And so the sun rises over the conquered city…”
As Paris awoke, if indeed anyone slept during the turbulent night, Field Marshall’s Avaneux’s troops were parading through the Place de la Concorde in the centre of the city. As the sunlight broke, a silent eeriness, an almost disturbing atmosphere, fell upon the cold and tired capital. Most people feared leaving their homes, as they feared the Fascist Militia Forces, the Guard Argenté de la République, which marched on the capital with the Field Marshall’s Corps d’Armée.
At eight o’clock that morning, Field Marshall Avaneux broadcast a long and involved speech on the Service de Radiodiffusion National in Paris. Avaneux, a leading member of France’s Old Guard, had fought in the Franco-Prussian War on 1870-71, as well as led an Army group in the Great War. The Field Marshall was also considered France’s greatest colonial General, and was bestowed with distinguished title of Général de la Garde Colonial de la France in 1908. As a result, he was considered as France’s most respected and talented military leader for well over a century. He was a deeply conservative and sentimental man, with the utmost love for his country. His conservative sentiments however clashed with Jean-Veré Sanvea’s Nationalist policies. The only reason the two were brought together to overthrow the government was their mutual disdain of Socialism, which had infiltrated French politics over the past decade. His momentous speech lasted for nearly forty-five minutes, and roused the most sympathetic feelings amongst the French population for his coup d’état, which had installed the Fascist Party. He detailed his fight for the French people, and that the only way to protect France from the Red Menace was to bring to power Bolshevism’s arch-enemy, the Fascists, which as of yet, had not gained the popularity like the Fascist movements in neighbouring Italy and Germany.
Shortly after the broadcast of “the speech of the century” as Field Marshall Gamelin later recalled with a tear in his eye, Sanvea entered the Broadcasting building to address the French people as the new Prime Minster.
“ …I am here for the service of the French people. I am nothing more than a servant for the Republic, and everything I have done, and will ever do is at foremost in the interest of the French people and the glorious French Nation…I, by the grace of god, and with the blessing of Madame la République, have a mandate to lead this great nation to the grandeur that she so surely deserves. I therefore pledge to my people my utmost promises of optimistic change – change for the better. And if, at all I do not succeed in my mission, and in any way disappoint or fail the people of this brilliant nation, I will interpret it as the end of my mandate and I will leave the power to what is a more effective force. But let me assure you, the people of France, that it will never come to they, as I, and my Party will ensure that it is an absolute impossibility for France to fail under the enlightened leadership of French Fascism, the only true outlet of French Nationalism…”
An eruptive applause broke at Fascist Party headquarters, and many Nationalists spilled onto the streets in celebration “Viva le France, Viva Avaneux, Viva Fascism!” People ascended on all public places with flags and ribbons of blue, red and white. Many also carried framed portraits of Napoleon, Avaneux and Sanvea which they paraded with great enthusiasm on the streets of Paris.
The Home Front
January 5th – February 2nd 1936
“The descent into anarchy is marked by the words of one General…”
On the morning of January 5th, the state of France lay in disarray. The new government in Paris held little control outside of the capital, and it was unclear whether the rest of the country would come under the power of the Paris regime. At ten o’clock that morning, it became clear that the regime would not gain power easily outside Paris. General Besson, the commander of the troops under the Mediterranean Coast Military District, based in Marseilles, officially stated that he did not, and would not recognise Sanvea’s Fascist government in Paris. “My loyalties remain with President Laval. I will do everything in my power to resist the Fascists, and I denounce Field Marshall Avaneux for these gross acts treason.” The troops under his command would fight rather than bow down to the illegal Fascist regime. To compound matters further, Admiral Bouxin, commander of the Mediterranean Fleet anchored in Marseilles harbour pledged to stand by Besson’s stance. Just hours later, the Bordeaux Military District Commander, General Bounet, also pledged allegiance to President Laval, and would follow Besson’s position.
The south of France, at the time appeared to be in firm anti-Fascist hands. This, however, was not the situation in the North. In a strange turn of events, Field Marshall Juin, who commanded the troops under the Sedan Military District abruptly halted outside Paris. He had stated just hours before that he would liberate France from the “Fascist Militia”. Avaneux had, shortly after his nationally broadcasted speech, driven in his staff car to meet Avaneux to the north of Paris. The meeting, which was said to have lasted some fifteen minutes, completely changed Juin’s loyalties, and in an official broadcast at eleven that morning, he pledged his loyalties to Avaneux and Sanvea.
Another compelling event occurred shortly after lunch. Field Marshall Gamelin, the Chief-of-Staff, War Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Army turned up in his staff car at Avaneux’s headquarters on the bank of the Seine, just south of the Musée de Louvre. The Field Marshall, who would ultimately held the balance of power in his hand’s as France’s most powerful military leader, had disappeared during the night and had caused great anxiety to Avaneux and his staff. Avaneux, who had initially believed that Gamelin had fled the capital in order to escape capture would return with an large “army of liberation”. Gamelin immediately pledged loyalty to Avaneux, and in turn, was guaranteed to retain his posts of Chief-of-Staff of the High Command and Commander-in-Chief of the Army.
That afternoon, telegrams poured in from General Huntzinger in Roune, Field Marshall Lattre de Tassigney in Strasbourg and the commander of the Armée des Alpes assuring Paris of their loyalty to the new regime.
“And so the sun rises over the conquered city…”
As Paris awoke, if indeed anyone slept during the turbulent night, Field Marshall’s Avaneux’s troops were parading through the Place de la Concorde in the centre of the city. As the sunlight broke, a silent eeriness, an almost disturbing atmosphere, fell upon the cold and tired capital. Most people feared leaving their homes, as they feared the Fascist Militia Forces, the Guard Argenté de la République, which marched on the capital with the Field Marshall’s Corps d’Armée.
At eight o’clock that morning, Field Marshall Avaneux broadcast a long and involved speech on the Service de Radiodiffusion National in Paris. Avaneux, a leading member of France’s Old Guard, had fought in the Franco-Prussian War on 1870-71, as well as led an Army group in the Great War. The Field Marshall was also considered France’s greatest colonial General, and was bestowed with distinguished title of Général de la Garde Colonial de la France in 1908. As a result, he was considered as France’s most respected and talented military leader for well over a century. He was a deeply conservative and sentimental man, with the utmost love for his country. His conservative sentiments however clashed with Jean-Veré Sanvea’s Nationalist policies. The only reason the two were brought together to overthrow the government was their mutual disdain of Socialism, which had infiltrated French politics over the past decade. His momentous speech lasted for nearly forty-five minutes, and roused the most sympathetic feelings amongst the French population for his coup d’état, which had installed the Fascist Party. He detailed his fight for the French people, and that the only way to protect France from the Red Menace was to bring to power Bolshevism’s arch-enemy, the Fascists, which as of yet, had not gained the popularity like the Fascist movements in neighbouring Italy and Germany.
Shortly after the broadcast of “the speech of the century” as Field Marshall Gamelin later recalled with a tear in his eye, Sanvea entered the Broadcasting building to address the French people as the new Prime Minster.
“ …I am here for the service of the French people. I am nothing more than a servant for the Republic, and everything I have done, and will ever do is at foremost in the interest of the French people and the glorious French Nation…I, by the grace of god, and with the blessing of Madame la République, have a mandate to lead this great nation to the grandeur that she so surely deserves. I therefore pledge to my people my utmost promises of optimistic change – change for the better. And if, at all I do not succeed in my mission, and in any way disappoint or fail the people of this brilliant nation, I will interpret it as the end of my mandate and I will leave the power to what is a more effective force. But let me assure you, the people of France, that it will never come to they, as I, and my Party will ensure that it is an absolute impossibility for France to fail under the enlightened leadership of French Fascism, the only true outlet of French Nationalism…”
An eruptive applause broke at Fascist Party headquarters, and many Nationalists spilled onto the streets in celebration “Viva le France, Viva Avaneux, Viva Fascism!” People ascended on all public places with flags and ribbons of blue, red and white. Many also carried framed portraits of Napoleon, Avaneux and Sanvea which they paraded with great enthusiasm on the streets of Paris.
The Home Front
January 5th – February 2nd 1936
“The descent into anarchy is marked by the words of one General…”
On the morning of January 5th, the state of France lay in disarray. The new government in Paris held little control outside of the capital, and it was unclear whether the rest of the country would come under the power of the Paris regime. At ten o’clock that morning, it became clear that the regime would not gain power easily outside Paris. General Besson, the commander of the troops under the Mediterranean Coast Military District, based in Marseilles, officially stated that he did not, and would not recognise Sanvea’s Fascist government in Paris. “My loyalties remain with President Laval. I will do everything in my power to resist the Fascists, and I denounce Field Marshall Avaneux for these gross acts treason.” The troops under his command would fight rather than bow down to the illegal Fascist regime. To compound matters further, Admiral Bouxin, commander of the Mediterranean Fleet anchored in Marseilles harbour pledged to stand by Besson’s stance. Just hours later, the Bordeaux Military District Commander, General Bounet, also pledged allegiance to President Laval, and would follow Besson’s position.
The south of France, at the time appeared to be in firm anti-Fascist hands. This, however, was not the situation in the North. In a strange turn of events, Field Marshall Juin, who commanded the troops under the Sedan Military District abruptly halted outside Paris. He had stated just hours before that he would liberate France from the “Fascist Militia”. Avaneux had, shortly after his nationally broadcasted speech, driven in his staff car to meet Avaneux to the north of Paris. The meeting, which was said to have lasted some fifteen minutes, completely changed Juin’s loyalties, and in an official broadcast at eleven that morning, he pledged his loyalties to Avaneux and Sanvea.
Another compelling event occurred shortly after lunch. Field Marshall Gamelin, the Chief-of-Staff, War Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Army turned up in his staff car at Avaneux’s headquarters on the bank of the Seine, just south of the Musée de Louvre. The Field Marshall, who would ultimately held the balance of power in his hand’s as France’s most powerful military leader, had disappeared during the night and had caused great anxiety to Avaneux and his staff. Avaneux, who had initially believed that Gamelin had fled the capital in order to escape capture would return with an large “army of liberation”. Gamelin immediately pledged loyalty to Avaneux, and in turn, was guaranteed to retain his posts of Chief-of-Staff of the High Command and Commander-in-Chief of the Army.
That afternoon, telegrams poured in from General Huntzinger in Roune, Field Marshall Lattre de Tassigney in Strasbourg and the commander of the Armée des Alpes assuring Paris of their loyalty to the new regime.
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The Home Front
January 5th – February 2nd 1936
(continued)
As morning broke over France on the morning of the 7th of January, it appeared as if the nation would descend into the abyss of catastrophic civil war. During the previous nights, violent clashes between Avaneux and Sanvea supporters and anti-fascist troops had erupted onto the street. General Bossen in Marseille publicly boasted of “retaking the capital in grand style” and of saving the nation from “the savage Fascist beats”.
That same morning, the British Foreign Office pledged its support for the Marseilles government, and repeatedly denounced the Fascist takeover in Paris. Britain, as well as Czechoslovakia, Belgium and the USSR all refused to recognise the Paris regime. Italy, however was fast to recognise the takeover, and pledges much public support for Avaneux and Sanvea. Germany, however, had yet to respond to the coup, but had dismissed the French Ambassador in Berlin, who had denounced Avaneux.
For several weeks, small clashes occurred throughout the country, but no large military manoeuvres had been instigated by either side. The country was firmly split into two parts: the Fascist North and pro-democracy administration based in Marseilles. On January 21st, General Bossen proclaimed himself “caretaker” President of the French Republic, as a temporary replacement to the legitimate President Laval, who was under house arrest in Paris. Britain immediately recognised his position as the only legal Head of Government in France.
On the 22nd, Gamelin announced an offensive that would bring the south under the Fascist administration. The Atlantic Squadron, under the command of Grand Admiral Darlan, began to shell Bordeaux, which was firmly in the hands of pro-Marseilles General Bounet. The General, who stated that he did not want to see France fall apart, officially surrendered Bordeaux to the Paris regime. A major offensive against the city had been averted. Next lay the Mediterranean city of Marseilles, stronghold of General Bossen.
After receiving supplies and ammunition from Britain, Bossen claimed that he would fight to the last man. As Fascist troops moved towards the city, this plan fell apart, as well over half of his men defected. On February 1st, he, and the Secretary-General of the National Defence Council, General Charles de Gaulle, fled the city to Britain, where they were effectively in exile.
Fascist troops entered Marseilles the following day. Crowds poured onto the street to meet Gamelin, as he and his soldiers paraded though the grand tree-lined avenue that led to the city hall. France, united and one, was now under the rule of Avaneux and his Fascist Prime Minister Sanvea.
The Decree of Neutrality
February 3rd 1936
That very morning, the German Ambassador in Paris presented Sanvea with some very pleasing news. A telegram had been sent directly from the Reich Chancellery by German Chancellor and Führer Adolf Hitler. Germany, from that moment on officially recognised the new regime, and pledged a renewed friendship between the old foes. Britain, on the other hand continued to show its anger at the illegal regime by cutting off all diplomatic ties.
At an official press conference that afternoon, Prime Minister Sanvea presented the “Decree of French Neutrality”, which would effectively end France’s long-time Military co-operation and Alliance Treaty with Great Britain and her dominions. The Decree also nullified all obligations France had previously promised to Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and Romania.
More disturbingly, the Decree contained clauses cancelling France’s recognition of sovereignty to Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. This decree came to a great shock to Britain and much of Europe, but led to jubilation in Rome and Berlin.
“Now, I can safely say, France will no longer be the thorn in Germany’s side.”
Adolf Hitler
February 3rd 1936
January 5th – February 2nd 1936
(continued)
As morning broke over France on the morning of the 7th of January, it appeared as if the nation would descend into the abyss of catastrophic civil war. During the previous nights, violent clashes between Avaneux and Sanvea supporters and anti-fascist troops had erupted onto the street. General Bossen in Marseille publicly boasted of “retaking the capital in grand style” and of saving the nation from “the savage Fascist beats”.
That same morning, the British Foreign Office pledged its support for the Marseilles government, and repeatedly denounced the Fascist takeover in Paris. Britain, as well as Czechoslovakia, Belgium and the USSR all refused to recognise the Paris regime. Italy, however was fast to recognise the takeover, and pledges much public support for Avaneux and Sanvea. Germany, however, had yet to respond to the coup, but had dismissed the French Ambassador in Berlin, who had denounced Avaneux.
For several weeks, small clashes occurred throughout the country, but no large military manoeuvres had been instigated by either side. The country was firmly split into two parts: the Fascist North and pro-democracy administration based in Marseilles. On January 21st, General Bossen proclaimed himself “caretaker” President of the French Republic, as a temporary replacement to the legitimate President Laval, who was under house arrest in Paris. Britain immediately recognised his position as the only legal Head of Government in France.
On the 22nd, Gamelin announced an offensive that would bring the south under the Fascist administration. The Atlantic Squadron, under the command of Grand Admiral Darlan, began to shell Bordeaux, which was firmly in the hands of pro-Marseilles General Bounet. The General, who stated that he did not want to see France fall apart, officially surrendered Bordeaux to the Paris regime. A major offensive against the city had been averted. Next lay the Mediterranean city of Marseilles, stronghold of General Bossen.
After receiving supplies and ammunition from Britain, Bossen claimed that he would fight to the last man. As Fascist troops moved towards the city, this plan fell apart, as well over half of his men defected. On February 1st, he, and the Secretary-General of the National Defence Council, General Charles de Gaulle, fled the city to Britain, where they were effectively in exile.
Fascist troops entered Marseilles the following day. Crowds poured onto the street to meet Gamelin, as he and his soldiers paraded though the grand tree-lined avenue that led to the city hall. France, united and one, was now under the rule of Avaneux and his Fascist Prime Minister Sanvea.
The Decree of Neutrality
February 3rd 1936
That very morning, the German Ambassador in Paris presented Sanvea with some very pleasing news. A telegram had been sent directly from the Reich Chancellery by German Chancellor and Führer Adolf Hitler. Germany, from that moment on officially recognised the new regime, and pledged a renewed friendship between the old foes. Britain, on the other hand continued to show its anger at the illegal regime by cutting off all diplomatic ties.
At an official press conference that afternoon, Prime Minister Sanvea presented the “Decree of French Neutrality”, which would effectively end France’s long-time Military co-operation and Alliance Treaty with Great Britain and her dominions. The Decree also nullified all obligations France had previously promised to Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and Romania.
More disturbingly, the Decree contained clauses cancelling France’s recognition of sovereignty to Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. This decree came to a great shock to Britain and much of Europe, but led to jubilation in Rome and Berlin.
“Now, I can safely say, France will no longer be the thorn in Germany’s side.”
Adolf Hitler
February 3rd 1936
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Just read through your AAR, sounds very good, but a couple points;
first our national colours are blue, white, and red; not red, white, and blue (it may sound like a silly difference, but it is pretty important)
second viva is spanish, in French it is Vive
other than that, very good
first our national colours are blue, white, and red; not red, white, and blue (it may sound like a silly difference, but it is pretty important)
second viva is spanish, in French it is Vive
other than that, very good
The National Fascist Congress of Paris
March 1st 1936
As the sun rose on the first day of spring over Paris, one could here the sweet song of the birds, floating gently over the courtyards and parks of the capital. To mark the first day of the warm and colourful season, Prime Minister Sanvea, as General-Secretary of the Fascist Party designated the date as the beginning of the I National Fascist Congress of Paris, which would be held annually on the same date. The city was adorned with banners and flags of the Republic, and large portraits of France’s Fascist leaders, as well as those of Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, as tributes to the ‘Founders of Fascism’. This, as the Fascist Party’s first national congress as the ruling party, was of course a paramount event, but it was heightened when Il Duce Mussolini accepted an invitation to join in the festivities at the last moment. The Congress was enthusiastic about hearing one of the Duce’s inspirational and boastful speeches, which he had insisted on.
The morning began with a long march by the Guard Argenté de la République and Field Marshall Gamelin’s troops. As they marched through the Arc de Triumph, Sanvea and Field Marshall Avaneux, ornamented with his multitude of medals, stood saluting on a large tri-colour platform, with a massive silk flag draped over a bronze statue of Napoleon standing powerful and upright in the background. The clash of political views could not be more highlighted as the way in which the conservative Field Marshall and Fascist Prime Minister saluted. A traditional army salute was presented by Avaneux, in deep contrast to the stiff armed Fascist salute by Sanvea. “One could not help noticing” Cited Il Duce upon viewing the parade.
The Congress, attended by some 500 Fascist delegates from across the nation, was held in cramped quarters in the parliament building. It began shortly after a lavish banquet hosted by Field Marshall Avaneux at the Palace of Versailles. The Congress, lasting three days, outlined the key factors that the Fascist Party would develop to create a powerful Fascist France.
POINT I. Expansion and modernisation of the French Armed Forces.
“France shall be a superpower among nations, and will need an army to preserve and expand this status”
A considerable increase in the army was the main point of expansion of the armed forces. A set goal was to establish a strong and fully equipped land force of no less than 50 divisions by December 1938, and no less than 100 by December 1940. This land force would also equipped with a desired goal of 30 armoured tank divisions by 1940, as well as around 20 mechanised divisions, equipped with modern all-terrain halftracks. “An army of such power relives the days of the Grand Armée”.
A major emphasis was also placed on high scale modernisation of the French military, principally on the land and in the air. The National Defence committee announced a widespread military modernisation plan, based on Scientific advances by France’s highly skilled Scientists and Engineers. It was pledged that a greater proportion of France’s Industrial Capacity would be used for research. As of March 1st, 5 new infantry divisions were announced to be in training, as well as the creation of 2 new Mechanised divisions, which would be transported by a fleet of new halftracks being constructed in factories throughout the country. A major call-up of men was announced to take place from March 1936 onwards as a form of ‘patriotism and service to the Republic’.
POINT II. Industrial Expansion
“A powerful France requires a powerful industry to fuel its ever increasing needs”
Over the next 12 months, it was announced that the nation’s industry, would be increased by establishing new factories and large industrial centres in the mainly rural south of France, as well and in French West Africa and Indochina, where labour and resources were plentiful. This would bring France’s IC up to standard with the other world powers, which had over the past decade, greatly outstretched France in Industrial strength. A larger Industrial Capacity would ultimately lead to a more powerful and wealthy France. Increased IC would be the basis of the military modernisation and expansion efforts.
POINT III. A new Foreign Policy
“France will have a foreign policy which matches her needs: powerful, belligerent and independent”
This point mainly reiterates the clauses outlined by the Decree of Neutrality. France will no longer participate in any Military alliances of co-operation Treaties with Russia, the United States and more importantly Great Britain and her dominions. France also denounced all military obligations promised to smaller nations against German aggression, and refused to recognise sovereignty of several smaller bordering nations, and claimed much of Western Europe as her “sphere of influence”.
The fulfilment of a strong relationship with the former foe Germany and with Italy was also a high priority for the new Foreign Policy.
The other key points of the Congress outlined changes in government systems, and the introduction of more military-minded education structures. France, once one of Europe’s greatest democracies was leaning towards a more aggressive and militaristic path.
STRENGTH THROUGH UNITY
GLORY THROUGH PATRIOTISM
SUCCESS THROUGH DEVOTION
-The Three party lines introduced in the First Fascist Congress.
The re-occupation of the Rhineland
March 8th 1936
In the early hours of March 8th, Hitler renounced one of the key points of the Treaty of Versailles – the re-occupation of the demilitarised Rhineland. This met with great criticism in London, and was claimed by the British Foreign Secretary as a stepping-stone for German military expansion. In Paris, the event was met with mixed emotions. Sanvea, officially recognised Germany’s re-occupation and declared that it was “perfectly legal and does not in any way compromise France’s borders.” Field Marshall Avaneux, however, who still held Germany in bitter disdain openly clashed with his Prime Minister, and stated that the German re-occupation of the Rhineland brought a remerged militaristic Germany closer to France’s western frontier.
Sanvea reaffirmed his position and confirmed France’s recognition and approval o the “Rhineland event” and that no action will be taken. London, to discredit Sanvea, officially issued a communiqué praising Avaneux and his anti-Berlin rhetoric. Sanvea dismissed London’s position and bluntly stated, “The British have no business with the continent, so I kindly ask them to stay on their side of the [English] Channel when it comes to continental political proceedings.”
March 1st 1936
As the sun rose on the first day of spring over Paris, one could here the sweet song of the birds, floating gently over the courtyards and parks of the capital. To mark the first day of the warm and colourful season, Prime Minister Sanvea, as General-Secretary of the Fascist Party designated the date as the beginning of the I National Fascist Congress of Paris, which would be held annually on the same date. The city was adorned with banners and flags of the Republic, and large portraits of France’s Fascist leaders, as well as those of Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, as tributes to the ‘Founders of Fascism’. This, as the Fascist Party’s first national congress as the ruling party, was of course a paramount event, but it was heightened when Il Duce Mussolini accepted an invitation to join in the festivities at the last moment. The Congress was enthusiastic about hearing one of the Duce’s inspirational and boastful speeches, which he had insisted on.
The morning began with a long march by the Guard Argenté de la République and Field Marshall Gamelin’s troops. As they marched through the Arc de Triumph, Sanvea and Field Marshall Avaneux, ornamented with his multitude of medals, stood saluting on a large tri-colour platform, with a massive silk flag draped over a bronze statue of Napoleon standing powerful and upright in the background. The clash of political views could not be more highlighted as the way in which the conservative Field Marshall and Fascist Prime Minister saluted. A traditional army salute was presented by Avaneux, in deep contrast to the stiff armed Fascist salute by Sanvea. “One could not help noticing” Cited Il Duce upon viewing the parade.
The Congress, attended by some 500 Fascist delegates from across the nation, was held in cramped quarters in the parliament building. It began shortly after a lavish banquet hosted by Field Marshall Avaneux at the Palace of Versailles. The Congress, lasting three days, outlined the key factors that the Fascist Party would develop to create a powerful Fascist France.
POINT I. Expansion and modernisation of the French Armed Forces.
“France shall be a superpower among nations, and will need an army to preserve and expand this status”
A considerable increase in the army was the main point of expansion of the armed forces. A set goal was to establish a strong and fully equipped land force of no less than 50 divisions by December 1938, and no less than 100 by December 1940. This land force would also equipped with a desired goal of 30 armoured tank divisions by 1940, as well as around 20 mechanised divisions, equipped with modern all-terrain halftracks. “An army of such power relives the days of the Grand Armée”.
A major emphasis was also placed on high scale modernisation of the French military, principally on the land and in the air. The National Defence committee announced a widespread military modernisation plan, based on Scientific advances by France’s highly skilled Scientists and Engineers. It was pledged that a greater proportion of France’s Industrial Capacity would be used for research. As of March 1st, 5 new infantry divisions were announced to be in training, as well as the creation of 2 new Mechanised divisions, which would be transported by a fleet of new halftracks being constructed in factories throughout the country. A major call-up of men was announced to take place from March 1936 onwards as a form of ‘patriotism and service to the Republic’.
POINT II. Industrial Expansion
“A powerful France requires a powerful industry to fuel its ever increasing needs”
Over the next 12 months, it was announced that the nation’s industry, would be increased by establishing new factories and large industrial centres in the mainly rural south of France, as well and in French West Africa and Indochina, where labour and resources were plentiful. This would bring France’s IC up to standard with the other world powers, which had over the past decade, greatly outstretched France in Industrial strength. A larger Industrial Capacity would ultimately lead to a more powerful and wealthy France. Increased IC would be the basis of the military modernisation and expansion efforts.
POINT III. A new Foreign Policy
“France will have a foreign policy which matches her needs: powerful, belligerent and independent”
This point mainly reiterates the clauses outlined by the Decree of Neutrality. France will no longer participate in any Military alliances of co-operation Treaties with Russia, the United States and more importantly Great Britain and her dominions. France also denounced all military obligations promised to smaller nations against German aggression, and refused to recognise sovereignty of several smaller bordering nations, and claimed much of Western Europe as her “sphere of influence”.
The fulfilment of a strong relationship with the former foe Germany and with Italy was also a high priority for the new Foreign Policy.
The other key points of the Congress outlined changes in government systems, and the introduction of more military-minded education structures. France, once one of Europe’s greatest democracies was leaning towards a more aggressive and militaristic path.
STRENGTH THROUGH UNITY
GLORY THROUGH PATRIOTISM
SUCCESS THROUGH DEVOTION
-The Three party lines introduced in the First Fascist Congress.
The re-occupation of the Rhineland
March 8th 1936
In the early hours of March 8th, Hitler renounced one of the key points of the Treaty of Versailles – the re-occupation of the demilitarised Rhineland. This met with great criticism in London, and was claimed by the British Foreign Secretary as a stepping-stone for German military expansion. In Paris, the event was met with mixed emotions. Sanvea, officially recognised Germany’s re-occupation and declared that it was “perfectly legal and does not in any way compromise France’s borders.” Field Marshall Avaneux, however, who still held Germany in bitter disdain openly clashed with his Prime Minister, and stated that the German re-occupation of the Rhineland brought a remerged militaristic Germany closer to France’s western frontier.
Sanvea reaffirmed his position and confirmed France’s recognition and approval o the “Rhineland event” and that no action will be taken. London, to discredit Sanvea, officially issued a communiqué praising Avaneux and his anti-Berlin rhetoric. Sanvea dismissed London’s position and bluntly stated, “The British have no business with the continent, so I kindly ask them to stay on their side of the [English] Channel when it comes to continental political proceedings.”