Comment la France a été livrée à Hitler. Eric Branca

Introduction to Pertinax and His Legacy

The Importance of Reissuing Pertinax's Work

• The speaker acknowledges Pierrive's contributions and emphasizes the significance of reissuing Pertinax’s work, which was initially thought to be well-known but is actually not widely recognized.

• The editorial process involved merging two editions from 1943 and post-Liberation, with Bernard Jovan Angelie playing a crucial role in creating a comprehensive edition.

Who Was Pertinax?

• André Girot, known as Pertinax, is described as a unique figure in journalism—engaged yet honest, embodying the essence of true journalism.

• Born in 1882 into a family that faced financial ruin, he pivoted from becoming a wine merchant to pursuing journalism after his family's downfall.

Early Career and International Influence

Rise as an Influential Journalist

• By age 36, Pertinax had established himself as a correspondent for numerous American and British newspapers while also writing for French publications.

• His ability to navigate the Anglo-Saxon world was exceptional for a French journalist at that time.

Military Service and Continued Journalism

• During World War I, he served as an interpreter before joining "L'Écho de Paris," where he would write extensively until his disappearance in 1938.

The Significance of His Pseudonym

Meaning Behind "Pertinax"

• He adopted the pseudonym "Pertinax" in 1918; it signifies persistence and relevance—qualities essential for journalists.

Insights on France's Post-War Challenges

Concerns About Anglo-Saxon Dominance

• In his early writings during WWI, Pertinax warned against the potential dominance of Anglo-Saxon powers over France post-war—a prescient observation reflecting his deep understanding of international relations.

Analysis of Political Decay

Observations on Political Corruption

• Through his notes and articles written during critical historical moments (1918–1940), Pertinax documented political corruption within French society leading up to WWII.

Predictions about Nazi Germany

Foreseeing Hitler's Rise

• In November 1932, while others believed Nazism was waning, Pertinax predicted Hitler would eventually seize power due to underlying societal trends.

• He accurately anticipated significant political events such as the naval pact between England and Germany that undermined France’s position.

Life Under Occupation

Continued Resistance Against German Forces

• As WWII progressed and Germans occupied Paris in June 1940, Pertinax continued reporting despite being pursued by authorities.

Publication Challenges Post-War

Reception of "Les Fauxoyeurs"

• After the war, he published "Les Fauxoyeurs," which failed commercially despite its insightful critique on political betrayal within France leading up to collaboration with Nazi Germany.

Examination of Political Elites' Betrayal

Detailed Accounts of Corruption

• The book outlines various corrupt figures within politics who contributed to France’s decline during this tumultuous period.

Key Figures Discussed by Pertinax

• Notable individuals include Gamelin (military), Daladier (political), Renault (last Prime Minister before Pétain), highlighting their roles in national failure.

This structured markdown file captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference. Each section focuses on specific themes or topics discussed throughout the content.

Discussion on Paul Renault's Leadership During WWII

Overview of Renault's Presidency

• Paul Renault is described as a "sacred cow" in French politics, arriving as President of the Council just before the German invasion in March 1940, which limited his ability to enact change.

• He supported Charles de Gaulle’s ideas on mechanized and armored divisions, but his contributions were largely overlooked by the French military leadership at the time.

Initial Reactions to Renault's Leadership

• Upon taking office, figures like Pertinax and André Girot felt hopeful about Renault’s leadership, likening him to Clemenceau. However, their optimism quickly faded as they realized his ideas were poorly executed.

• The influence of his mistress, the Countess de Porte, during critical moments in government meetings is highlighted as a factor contributing to political chaos.

Political Maneuvering and Decisions

• The chaotic environment within the government is attributed not solely to external pressures but also to internal mismanagement and reliance on questionable advisors like the Countess de Porte.

• Renault made significant appointments that would later be seen as detrimental; for instance, he brought Pétain into a vice-presidential role despite Pétain's inclination towards peace with Germany.

Key Events Leading Up to Armistice

• On June 15, 1940, just before resigning, Renault accepted a proposal from Chotard regarding negotiations with Germany about an armistice.

• This decision was framed as necessary due to France’s defeat; however, it raised questions about whether capitulation was truly the best course of action for preserving governmental independence.

Conflict Over Military Strategy

• De Gaulle and George Mandel argued for relocating the government to North Africa where they believed they could maintain military strength. However, Renault rejected this idea without justification.

• Despite being under orders from the government, Renault did not facilitate this relocation plan or provide necessary resources.

Aftermath of Renault's Resignation

• Following his resignation on June 16th due to mounting pressure and political failures, he was promised an ambassadorship in Washington by Pétain but never received it due to a serious car accident.

Analysis of Political Failures

• The discussion emphasizes that while military leaders are often blamed for France’s defeat in WWII, it was primarily politicians who dismantled France’s defense capabilities leading up to the war.

Critique of Historical Narratives

• The narrative critiques how figures like Pétain shifted blame onto previous governments while failing to acknowledge their own roles in weakening national defense strategies.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability

• It is noted that accusations against past administrations overlook their responsibility in destroying France's military readiness and alliances prior to WWII.