Aftermath

Abstract

While Vichy enjoyed a brief renaissance in North Africa under Allied patronage, in France the last remnants of power were plucked from the government’s grasp. On I I November Hitler put into effect Operation ATTILA, the total occupation of France, a move which the British government had predicted but which it regarded with indifference, since it was of little strategic significance.¹ The only danger was that the occupying forces might succeed in gaining control of the warships in Toulon harbour. The Germans at first made an agreement with Admirals Laborde and Marquis which left the port unoccupied, but on 27 November attempted a coup de main. The Fleet therefore scuttled itself, ‘a melancholy conclusion to an armada about which there had been so many hopes, fears and premonitions’.² Vichy’s writ ceased to run in the Colonial Empire also. Gaullist and British action had already accounted for large tracts of West Africa, Oceania, Syria and St Pierre and Miquelon. Madagascar surrendered to the British on 6 November. Tunisia was conquered in early 194.3. Darlan rendered his last service to the Allied cause in late November 194.2 by securing the adherence of Boisson, Governor-General of West Africa. Djibuti passed over on 28 December, the French West Indies the following July.