French indifference

April 27, 2008, 8:46pm,  158 views

A storm has erupted over a photographic exhibition that shows German “propaganda” pictures of France under Nazi occupation.

The happy shots reveal carefree Parisians enjoying summer while the Germans are in control.

No doubt many French were fighting in the underground or abroad at this time, but how many simply acquiesced to the Nazis? The majority it seems, which raises an unhappy memory for modern France.

It’s worth reflecting that Italy, Hungary and Croatia fought on the German side in World War II. The French and Danish were neutralised. The Dutch and Norwegians remained hostile to Germany, but were under its domination.

How would Australia have reacted under similar circumstances? Who knows? If the Japanese had successfully invaded I think we would have fought to protect the last household.

If the Germans had come (unlikely) with English-speaking spin doctors ahead of the tanks, we might have conceded sullenly. In that respect I don’t blame the French.

I respect the Resistance fighters, but history shouldn’t elevate them higher than reality.

History is written by the winners, of course, so French collaboration has largely been consigned to the forgotten basket.