The Private Diaries Of Paul Baudouin (March 1940-January 1941) With a foreword by Malcolm Muggeridge

The Private Diaries Of Paul Baudouin (March 1940-January 1941) With a foreword by Malcolm Muggeridge M. Paul Baudouin first became known to the general public when he was appointed Foreign Minister by Marshal Petain at the time of the French armistice, but, as a banking expert without any strong party affiliations, he had served in previous governments. In April, 1940, when M. Reynaud decided to create a Cabinet Secretariat on the British model, Paul Baudouin was the obvious choice for the task of co-ordinating its activities. He was made an Under-Secretary of State in order that he might attend meetings of the War Cabinet, and was present, therefore, at all the fateful deliberations which led up to the armistice. His diary, dictated day by day to his secretary during his period of office, is a record and not a justification of his association with the French Government, and it has not since been revised to any considerable extent. It shows the reactions of the various personalities as the situation steadily deteriorated, and describes in detail the arguments that were presented for and against carrying on the struggle from outside France. The dramatic last meetings of the Supreme Council, attended by Mr. Churchill, and the final hours as the ministers awaited the German terms, are described and then the book goes on to record, clearly and dispassionately, the opening moves of the petain Government. M. Baudouin engages in no argument or apology, but gives a straightforward account of these events as they happened, and for this reason alone, apart from its fascinating personal insights, this book must rank as an important historical record.Hardcover in jacket, Eyre & Spottiswood 1948, presumed 1st. Jacket is worn, torm and grubby therefore no grade. BOOK has foxing to e/ps and some sign of water wrinkling, though general condition is GOOD with stated. Books at Fair prices at my ebid shop