Strong in Will : Working for the American Embassy in Paris During the Nazi Occupation

"...worth reading for the civilian point of view on military events, including observations on the U.S. Army's return to France in 1944. It is also excellent background reading for those who want to know about wartime life in France." —The Journal of America's Military Past “September 1939 slipped into October quite silently as if it did not want to attract any notice. The atmosphere is tense with expectancy, ready for the critical times that lie ahead. Everyone is geared for eventualities with courage and the élan of high purpose. Members of the Embassy staff have received their orders to leave for different posts: Bordeaux for some, Nantes for others and for others the Château de Candé. Some of us volunteered to remain in Paris. I was one of them . Paris will be safe or as dangerous as any other place, perhaps safer as every effort will be made to protect the city with its priceless works of art and its... A detailed and vivid diary recount the wartime experience in Paris during the occupation of France. Paris of today is not a happy ground for ill and dying or for those with frayed nerves and unquiet minds. It is for the brave of heart, the courageous, and the strong in will and in health. The times, so full of danger, must be lived by the sword of the Spirit, with love and an inner calm. It is not possible otherwise.Marie-Louise Dilkes, 30 August 1940 There have been many books written about life in Paris during the Occupation. What makes this book unique is that it is written from the perspective of the receptionist for the American Embassy in Paris. The receptionist is Marie-Louise Dilkes, who saw and experienced the chaos and fear of those facing an uncertain future. They walked through the door to the American Embassy looking for a sign of hope or a way out. Marie-Louise Dilkes takes us from not only the conquest and occupation of Paris by German forces but includes the war-time journey of the American consulate in Paris from Paris to Lisbon to Lyon to Bern and back to Paris. She ends with the triumphant return of members of the American Embassy staff, after the Allies forced the German Army out of Paris, and the reestablishment of the American Embassy in Paris. Table of Contents Preface Introduction The US Embassy in Paris August 25, 1939June 14, 1940Turbulent Times June 15December 31, 1940The Occupation January 1, 1941June 3, 1941Relocates to Vichy June 4, 1941July 20, 1941The Embassy in Paris Becomes a Consulate July 20, 1941December 26, 1941American Consulate Leaves Paris Epilogue Notes Glossary Bibliography Acknowledgements Index '...worth reading for the civilian point of view on military events, including observations on the U.S. Army's return to France in 1944. It is also excellent background reading for those who want to know about wartime life in France.'—The Journal of America's Military Past“September 1939 slipped into October quite silently as if it did not want to attract any notice. The atmosphere is tense with expectancy, ready for the critical times that lie ahead. Everyone is geared for eventualities with courage and the élan of high purpose. Members of the Embassy staff have received their orders to leave for different posts: Bordeaux for some, Nantes for others and for others the Château de Candé. Some of us volunteered to remain in Paris. I was one of them. Paris will be safe or as dangerous as any other place, perhaps safer as every effort will be made to protect the city with its priceless works of art and its beauty.” Marie-Louise Dilkes'astute observations of life in Paris during World War II are written from the unique perspective of the receptionist for the American Embassy. The Embassy was the first—or last—resort for many caught up in the chaos of war, and hers was the first face they would see as they walked through the grand doors. She takes us from the conquest and occupation of Paris by German forces but includes the war-time journey of the American consulate in Paris from Paris to Lisbon to Lyon to Bern and back to Paris. She ends with the triumphant return of members of the American Embassy staff, after the Allies forced the German Army out of Paris, and the reestablishment of the American Embassy in Paris. A detailed and vivid diary recount the wartime experience in Paris during the occupation of France. September 1939 slipped into October quite silently as if it did not want to attract any notice. The atmosphere is tense with expectancy, ready for the critical times that lie ahead. Everyone is geared for eventualities with courage and the lan of high purpose. Members of the Embassy staff have received their orders to leave for different Bordeaux for some, Nantes for others and for others the Chteau de Cand. Some of us volunteered to remain in Paris. I was one of them. Paris will be safe or as dangerous as any other place, perhaps safer as every effort will be made to protect the city with its priceless works of art and its beauty.Marie-Louise Dilkes astute observations of life in Paris during World War II are written from the unique perspective of the receptionist for the American Embassy. The Embassy was the firstor lastresort for many caught up in the chaos of war, and hers was the first face they would see as they walked through the grand doors.She takes us from the conquest and occupation of Paris by German forces but includes the war-time journey of the American consulate in Paris from Paris to Lisbon to Lyon to Bern and back to Paris. She ends with the triumphant return of members of the American Embassy staff, after the Allies forced the German Army out of Paris, and the reestablishment of the American Embassy in Paris.