Entente – La libération de Paris la Bretagne septembre 1944 / The liberation of Paris Brittany September 1944 – The first British monthly issued in France upon the liberation of Paris, aimed at marking the French–British cooperation following the defeat of the Nazi occupier. The entire issue is dedicated to the liberation of Paris and is accompanied by historical photographs from the days of the liberation. As a gesture of British solidarity, the booklet was printed in both English and French, page by page.
From the publisher’s formal declaration in the introduction: “France, although not yet entirely cleared of the invaders who ravaged her soil for over four years, is gathering her strength anew to take her place once more at the side of the Allies and to help bring the war to an end. The French nation is already reorganizing itself, despite the greatest of difficulties. It is fully aware of the tremendous effort it must make to rebuild its national life, which has been so systematically destroyed by the occupiers and their collaborators. In this superhuman effort, should not France feel that she has the full sympathy and friendship of her ally, Great Britain? We are certain that this support will be granted.” The publisher adds that the editorial team is considering opening a branch in Paris to regularly distribute a bilingual publication: “We shall continue our efforts to ensure greater mutual understanding between the two peoples and a better understanding of both nations…”
The issue opens with the congratulatory letter sent by King George upon the liberation of Paris: “I rejoice with Your Majesty and with all the people of France in this hour of triumph, as I sorrowed with them during the long years of their suffering.” Also included is a letter from the Mayor of London: “We of London salute the citizens of Paris… On this supreme moment of victory, I send my best wishes…” The magazine offers a detailed account of the involvement of French citizens in the uprising that led to Paris’s liberation, the general strike declared in factories, the takeover of the Paris police over the prefecture, the occupation of City Hall, the Élysée Palace, the Ministry of the Interior, and other government offices, as well as the desperate response of the Germans. The issue documents the successive surrenders of German officers and the arrival of American reinforcements that brought about their ultimate defeat. Also featured is an extensive review of the spontaneous celebrations marking Paris’s liberation. Included is the special message General de Gaulle sent to the children of France on Christmas Eve 1942, in which he promised to liberate Paris—now fulfilled—as well as many other articles about plans for rebuilding France.
The magazine’s purpose was to regularly update the public on both Britain and France and the collaboration between them in all areas. Certain columns were dedicated to “British Life in France” and “French Life in Great Britain, ” using English field correspondents working in France.
48 pages. Good – very good condition.
