Customer Reviews

Darlan: Admiral and Statesman of France, 1881-1942

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This book is highly recommended to those who want to know more about Darlan than just his murder in Algiers in 1942. His career is well described, specially when trying to pact a joint effort with the British to control the Mediterranean and prevent Mussolini's Italy of becoming a menace, as well as matching Hitler naval rearmament. Melton offers great insight on Darlan's efforts to maintain the French empire together while the Germans occupied most of France. His duel with Laval and his loyalty to Pétain are widely described, as well as his dilemma of trying to get American support without offering the Germans an excuse to occupy all France and collaborate with the Germans without getting France back into the war on the German side. The climax of this book takes place when the American and British forces invade North Africa, when Darlan was forced to make his mind up, choosing the American (not the British, who supported De Gaulle) side instead of following Pétain's orders to defend North Africa. A must read!

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