A resistant ariégeois Africa: Charles Dagain
Michel Begon May 2007
In times of national peril, many politicians, soldiers or officials or even betray procrastinate, resist and do too little to end their duty, so that resentment against the heroes of cowards is, in retrospect, unquenchable. Fortunately, posterity will one day restore the real facts.
Ariège nineteenth century was a populous country and even overcrowded, so the poorest. It exported around the world bear-its, its chefs and its officials. Charles was born Dagain ariégeoises old families and went to him in the civil service. However, he served overseas.
His grandfather was Sabarat, a small village on Arize, just north of Plantaurel. He taught school in rural Ariege, then miller, when he could acquire the mill on the creek Rieutailhol of Lèze in the small town of Gabre. He married Marie-Angelique de Robert Lassagne, after families of gentlemen glassmakers Ariège. His father was born in Pointe-Mercenac in Couserans, when the glassworks were still working forest, and became a wine merchant at Narbonne, Veuve Morin Ulysses. He married Matilda Verbizier-Verbizier, was also descended gentlemen glassmakers of Ariege. From this union, Charles Dagain was born in 1885 in Lamotte, near Rieubach, on the town of Mas d'Azil, but towards the southern entrance of the cave. All too soon he found himself fatherless.
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studies Charles Narbonne led him to law capacity. As her sister was already installed in Setif, he did his military service in Algeria. Then In September 1908 he won the competition as a clerk in the colonial administration in Africa. He will make his career by going to the body successively assistant civil service of French Equatorial Africa (AEF) in 1911, then colonial administrator in 1913 before being promoted to the highest ruling from 1940.
His first jobs were in the French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African Republic since, first in Bangui and in the locality of Pouroumbala. Then he married in 1917, a champagne, Hélène Augé. And there he made his war of 1914-1918, taking part in the attack on "Kamerun", then German colony, under the command of Colonel Morrison. This territory became the Cameroon in 1918 and will pass under French mandate, under the Treaty of Versailles.
Alas, Charles Dagain contracted malaria there, terrible and catastrophic illness, in 2007 we still do not know heal properly. From 1917 to the end of his career he suffered recurrent bouts of "Plasmodium vivax.
After the victory of 1918, Charles was Dagain appointed colonial administrator of Gabon and Chad. At that time, he had his son John, born in 1920, Colonel future of our bombers, and two daughters, now missing.
His workbooks categorically refute the negative image that today would be of French colonialism in Black Africa. Nothing to see here with the slave of the eighteenth century, who were private contractors, this is the state Republican reign, assuming its public service remit in the public interest. No tyranny or abuse, or prevarication, but a passionate attention to the vital interests of the population, particularly for development planning and the fight against desertification. As of March 6, 1936, we read this directive ecological
"Doing seedlings of the country around Fort-Lamy, in as many places as possible, wherever the timber was cut in excess to the heater and also on some poins good growing along roadsides.
Moreover, the scarcity of airfields, as summer rains make it too often impassable, the particular concern. When the roads are cut off by floods, these airstrips are the only links with the outside. Other notes mark his vigilance for sudden movements of populations, crop diversification, particularly for rice, the flights of locusts, the contagion of leprosy and yellow fever, lack of interpreters or writers public, the plight of women, which the consumption of meat seems forbidden, and especially against local slavery.
"Facts of trafficking identified until 1931. Removal women and children sold to Rey-Bouba, through the Fulbe. "
His main concern is then the maintenance of public order against the exactions of the native chiefs and cattle raids, which the peasants flee to Cameroon. Too many chiefs, under the pretext of taxes, "sweep" the meager resources of the peasants!
For 15 years, from 1924 to 1938, Charles left Dagain district administrator Ati, right Sahel, 300 kilometers east of Lake Chad near Darfur. Then he took in 1938, the Acting Governorate of the colony of Chad. His role is expanding from that moment in international relations, especially with the Italian colony of Libya, then subjected to the fascist regime, with whom he exchanged diplomatic letters. It's that time of the war in Ethiopia.
But now the Minister Georges Mandel, the same one that the Vichy militia assassinate in 1944, named Felix Eboue, a black citizen of French Guiana, as governor of Chad. Witnesses tell of this officer that he had the eloquence of a "leftist intellectual." But in brief, the choice of a man color, which might seem somewhat demagogic in January 1939, or too far ahead of his time, will prove decisive for the history of France. In March 1939, ending his acting, Charles Dagain in Bangui was appointed inspector of administrative affairs of the territory of Ubangi-Shari. Soon the war will make him play a strategic role.
The envy of the ugly qualify "satrapicule bearded." In fact, born of Pyrenean breed, it is not large, rather bald and wears a thick beard, like those before 1914. I who knew him well when I was child, I would rather compare it to Socrates, as Plato described. He radiated a strong authority and smiling. He willingly bore the "short" knee colonials.
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On 22 June 1940, the government of Marshal Pétain waives fight Germany and concluded an armistice with the Third Reich for the territory of metropolitan France . On 10 July the military coup, ratified by Parliament, abolished the Republic for the "National Revolution". However, the armistice agreement, which cut France in two zones, one already occupied by the invader, not the other, but which will also in 1942, is not about France's colonial empire, which remains officially under the orders of government VICHY. Indeed, Adolf Hitler was unnecessary at this time to disperse his troops in Africa, because he needs to first invade England, the Balkans and Russia. Later, he judges that this was a fatal mistake, as Black Africa will be the gateway to the European allies in his system. So here are vast territories, government, military contingents and naval forces that are found, sidelines of the conflict and distance from Vichy, forced to self-determination locally.
The call that General de Gaulle launched from London in pursuit of the war, June 18, 1940, is little understood in France, qu'accablent armor, and the waves of Stukas refugees, but it is heard in the colonies of the Empire. While the General is as undersecretary of state government Reynaud, but the title Departmental authorized to present themselves to officials overseas as the head of Free France and take their command. From June 20, the counter Indian Chandernagore, then, from July 22, the condominium of New Hebrides, then on July 27, the New Caledonia rallied to the "French National Committee, constituted in London. It is true that these territories included in the areas of British influence had little choice between adherence or invasion. Much more decisive is the rallying to free France from Chad, August 26, 1940, Cameroon, 27, Congo, on the 28th, and shortly thereafter, Oubangui-Chari .. Having welcomed Rene Pleven, an emissary of the general, who persuades their duty, Felix Eboue and his collaborators, including Charles Dagain, all opt for resistance to the British side.
This surge is all the more courageous and prove all the more sharp than other French colonies did not marry, agree without a murmur the stifling of democracy and remain loyal to the Vichy government . They even receive the Free French and the allies with cannon, taking thousands of lives on both sides.
First, Vichy sent three cruisers from Toulon to take by storm the rebel colonies in Equatorial Africa. But this fleet meets British vessels and folds to Dakar, Senegal's main port, which will unfortunately fail the attempted landing Franco-British under Churchill and de Gaulle in this colony. On 23 September 1940, the reconquest of the operation against Vichy Senegal abortion under the shots fired by the battleship "Richelieu", causing the death of a thousand combatants and many civilians. In retaliation, the French artillery bombarded Gibraltar from Morocco. But in November 1940, the French take the free Gabon by armed force, not without making a hundred dead. Thus began the civil war between Gaullists and Petain, which will continue well beyond 1945. This repeats the political schism of 1936 which divided Spain into two camps. French West Africa therefore supported the camp undemocratic and equatorial Africa is the Republican way.
Historians explained what little political divorce within the French Empire. Did they just wanted to understand? First recall that the "natives" in their great mass, have no voice and only a few notables are selected may be consulted. Decisions are therefore between colonial and small committees, where obviously the prevailing sociological reasons and ideological motives. However, most colonies of the Empire are then under the economic and political domination of business interests and landowners, the conservative opinion, if not racist, and these media leaders endorse unreservedly the end of hostilities and the abolition of democracy. The affirmation of the principle of their personal authority appears quite naturally. One is astonished to read the "Guestbook Week Imperial French in Senegal, "the high commissioner and governor DRINK REY dedicate to Marshal Philippe Pétain in July 1941, an entire component mystical anthology with many voices, military, civil, church and indigenous, to praise him as the" Savior. " Here, for example, how the president of the Chamber of Commerce of Senegal and Mauritania famous leader of the French State:
"France, after being down by politicians unable or criminal disaster unprecedented in its history, had the happiness and comfort to find the man, he wanted the French to stop at the edge of the abyss. All men of good sense and heart, all true French are having to tighten around the Marshal Pétain who will save France, as it has already saved at Verdun, and unite under the signs of the Order of the Discipline, Work, Family and Country. " (Archives of Charles Dagain)
All leaders of the colony of Senegal have been invited to this type of feudal allegiance to Marshal of France. For some expressions more reserved, however, we guess it was imposed under duress some colonial officials.
Instead, French Equatorial Africa, the hot climate and poor soils, where it is not about oil, is under almost exclusive control of local civil servants, whose republicanism may openly displayed on this occasion. It also will not surprise anyone that a senior official opinion is ariégeois Republican! Official speeches of Charles Dagain therefore foreshadow those that will deliver Gaullists thereafter, until today, in the register of patriotic values, humanist and democratic. But there's more ...
By the summer of 1940, the State of Vichy hunted Jews, people of color, the Freemasons, trade unionists, socialists and communists. This perfect denial of the humanistic principles of 1789 not only dishonor France in the eyes of the Allies against the Axis (U.S. President FD Roosevelt considers that "France no longer exists" and will hear dismember after the victory), it raises above Republicans in the will to resist at any cost.
A law of 13 August 1940 prohibits "secret societies", that is to say all persuasions Masonic suspected of loyalty to the "Human Rights". They are declared dissolved and their members are excluded, like the Jews, the public service. Of course masonry continues clandestinely and joined General de Gaulle as the legitimate authority. However, the correspondence exchanged between the time the leaders of French Equatorial Africa clearly demonstrate, first by the abundance of signs of recognition (the three points !), That Masons are indeed behind the rally to Free France. Joining the military de Gaulle are often part of, and are cited at least the name of Admiral MUSELIER. Unfortunately the caution and the military secret that Charles did not Dagain held the same specifications as before the war, which would have allowed us to learn more.
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We also can not overstate the strategic importance that takes French Equatorial Africa, to the Provisional Government of Free France, first , but, both for English-speaking allies against the Axis forces. While the Americans and even the British intend to recognize Vichy, Petain, Darlan and Giraud later, as the only true representatives of our country, France is Available in the AEF its territory and legitimacy of its political capital, Brazzaville. It there is formed a core of senior officers and high officials that are fully vested. On 27 October 1940, with support from Eboue from Dagain and many others, Charles de Gaulle created in Brazzaville, Congo, the Defense Council of the Empire. From London he would visit frequently, often hosted by Charles Dagain the airport of Pointe-Noire. In bad times it threatens to entrench themselves and there immured. That is equatorial Africa, from Chad, the columns of the division Leclerc join the British in the Fezzan to fight the battle of Bir Hakheim.
Better yet, the AEF immediately becomes the relay Strategic for the fleets of the Royal Air Force, earning the Middle East and, consequently, their possible blocking point. When the Anglo-Americans will seize MADAGASCAR, May 5, 1942, without the prior consent of France free, the Gaullist authorities, in retaliation, will prepare the ban on flights over territories and internment of British officers. Which will force London to compose.
Larminat Major General, Governor General of the AEF, appoints Charles Dagain, September 2, 1940, his representative in Pointe-Noire. Then he assigned various diplomatic missions in Africa itself and in particular with the Union of South Africa. It is then a "dominion" British and politically aligned on the position of Churchill and Roosevelt, to get the simple return of France Vichy in the Western alliance, by detaching it from the Nazis. She maintains that purpose of diplomatic relations with the French government of Vichy and hosts an ambassador of Cape PETAIN. Charles Dagain is responsible for convincing the Union of South Africa that this pathway is hopeless and that it is better to rely on the Free France, that is to say, trust the "Free French".
Signed at Brazzaville February 24, 1941, Decree No. 67 of General Larminat, became High Commissioner of French Africa free Appoints Charles Dagain mission in Johannesburg. So our director Head of the colonies became an ambassador bis and agent of influence that will convince the informal South African Union of its error. By posing as a French resident of Cape Town, he published an English newspaper articles to alert public opinion against the betrayal of Pétain and his followers. Germany had invaded the Soviet Union from June 22, 1941, he recalled that particular form Vichy Legion of French Volunteers (LVF) to assist the assault or a French ship, captured by the British, was carrying Madagascar Marseille Gaullists to be shot. Finally, he will confer with Prime Minister Jan Christian Smuts conditions of the common struggle against the Axis.
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Against the Republican opposition, the Vichy regime reacted harshly, by establishing at the outset, July 30, 1940, a Supreme Court justice, "charged judging ministers, former ministers and their immediate subordinates, civil or military, to have betrayed the duties of their office. . It follows the Riom trial, designed primarily to prove that Jews and MANDEL BLUM have provoked the war against Germany, but would then lost by their cowardice. This travesty of justice, wanted by Hitler to convince public opinion of the guilt of the Jews in the outbreak of war will not succeed. But in autumn 1940, the military court in Clermont-Ferrand, chaired by General FRERE, Charles de Gaulle condemned to death for having "abandoned" and s' being put at the service of a foreign power. "
A parallel procedure is conducted against Charles Dagain, when it becomes the unofficial ambassador of France to free South Africa. March 31, 1941, removed from the colonial administration by order of Vichy. 1 August 1941, Admiral cons PLATO, Vichy Secretary of State for the Colonies, communicates his case to the Permanent Military Tribunal of Dakar, for trial. Indeed, this court condemned to death for treason Dagain, but of course in absentia. We have no text of the decision of this court, because he probably was burned shortly after, to spare the judges of reprisals.
While Charles Dagain remains elusive and may move into the territories of France or free "Commonwealth "It is normally paid by the Gaullist administration, fueled the British Treasury (which will be refunded after the war). But his wife Helen and her children remained Gabre, Ariège are denied any resource and reduce the discomfort until the Liberation. The family survives with the help of parents Helen and because some traders Mas d'Azil him credit standing until victory. However, Charles is able to communicate with his wife by taking as a pseudonym in his letters the name of the creek ... Gabre
Between May and August 1943, the French Committee of National Liberation established his authority over Algeria and in September, on Corsica. On 20 December 1943, former governors Vichy Algeria and Senegal are arrested. On 24 November 1943, the name of General de Gaulle, René Pleven gave the order to appoint Charles Dagain Governor of Senegal. The decision takes effect from December 2 to 30 May 1945.L irony of fate is that Dagain Charles was appointed to head the colony where he was sentenced to death!
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* * His task is difficult. First, because food deliveries to the German colony of private resources essential to the population and need the assistance of the United States to avoid starvation. Secondly, because the elders have remained the same who signed the dithyrambs to Marshal Pétain, mentioned above, and that we must deal with them.
Gaullist Governor of Senegal won the battle food. Here's how a notable African Kaolack thank him:
"When I consider the many tours that you made this year to ensure that the supply of rural populations occurs in a normal manner, thus thwarting the wiles of the wholesale trade, negating the force of inertia opposed by some officials, [I think] if you had not done what has been done is a plan of campaign of repression of riots that we prepare now and big houses that have expressed to the General Government and elsewhere hostilities as your method of refueling, are currently huddled behind you to beg to protect against the angry masses. When I consider that without you, this picture would be a terrible reality, without the ardent patriotism, generosity and liberality which you embody, Senegal would have sunk ... When I look at the feelings I feel for your personality, the result remains the same: RECOGNITION. Many indigenous notables have expressed similar sentiments to you and oftentimes. So the negro is capable of reconnaissance.etc ... "(DJIM Momar Gueye-November 2, 1944)
But caution that new Governors should adopt vis-à-vis the former Petainists few discontented patriots. Evidenced by this anonymous letter addressed to the Governor General of French West Africa (AOF) Cournarie, and we can, it seems, from spring of 1944:
"Two months ago and a half, you get to Dakar, greeted by cheers from all the patriots that you embody the hopes and the hypocrites greetings from all the "collaborators" that you realize the fears. ... [But] two and a half months [after] where is the necessary treatment? What did you cons Profiteers Vichy, against those who delivered the economic resources of West Africa to the enemy, against those who knows that the whole world, were and are agents of Germany? Dear Governor ... Generally, we deem criminal you no longer hide our disappointment and indignation. This is not what we expected of you. This is not what we meant to Fighting France. "
Yet, under the authority of Dagain, colonial policy suddenly changes style! We read earlier praise of the "natives." Moreover, not hiding Dagain not opinions Gaullists. Celebrate in front of St. Louis du Senegal the armistice of May 8, 1945, in front of a large audience, it's playing, it's normal, the "Marseillaise" and the national anthems of the Western allies, then Noting that military music does not know the Soviet national anthem, he sang alone, standing a cappella and in full uniform, the "Internationale." Is that the Soviet Union is now the strongest ally of Free France and in February 1945 General de Gaulle went to Moscow with Stalin sign the Treaty of Franco-Soviet friendship.
As governor of Senegal, Charles Dagain helps to organize the famous conference in Brazzaville, which, January 30, 1944, under the presidency of Charles de Gaulle, prefigures the evolution of French African colonies to independence . He participated in the discussions confidential and public events. Photos from the time the show alongside the general. Both believe it to express the full meaning of this conference by his speech before the council democratic colonial Senegal. In reality it is very ahead of the story!
"The establishment of genuine democracy, inspired by the very principles that direct now living in metropolitan France, [determines a general policy of government of Senegal]. First raise the whole mass, without sectors sacrificed without privileged classes, then create an elite who are willing to serve the mass exit of the Senegalese people, working by and for the people. Making all Senegalese men true ... "(October 3, 1944 speech in St. Louis).
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The colonials are pressing for the departure of Charles Dagain. Just then he reaches the age limit: we will not give him an extension for "need for service." And it will be replaced by a former supporter of the Vichy regime.
Dagain Charles retired in June 1945, at age 60. He finds his family Gabre, Ariège. But the opponent leaves him no respite. One morning in France finally released, the police come to arrest in execution of warrant issued in 1941 by a military court in Dakar it is shot. The police exclaim, trying to apologize to him: "What do you want, we also have a warrant for Charles de Gaulle! . Once released, of course, but the bitterness he will remain with a hint of irony ...
The former governor of Senegal in Africa has left a remembrance authority, righteousness and humanity if stronger than all those who knew him at that time wish to express their strong attachment to his children and grandchildren revenues used on this continent.
Charles Dagain spend his old days Rieutailhol mill, the town of Gabre, of the whisperings of Lèze Creek and sighs of its forest of oaks, still surrounded by African masks, harps, shields, spears and poisoned arrows he had brought from there. When my brothers, we fished marauding crayfish in the stream, often we have seen pointing to his gray beard and we heard we shoot a few good words. Once he has brought to the mill to show us how to beat the tom-tom. He died in 1960.
Elements of bibliography
Jean Lacouture De Gaulle a rebel. Editions du Seuil 1984
Jean-Pierre Azema and olive WIEVIORKA Vichy (1940-1944) 1997 Perrin
Archives of France overseas in Aix-en-Provence
Archives of Charles Dagain, provided by his family
Archives of African States on the Internet.
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