Their discussions on the many and varied matters between their countries were completed timeously that day . One item was particularly pleasing to both of them. This was confirmation that the last few German troops stationed in Northern France, had been withdrawn the previous month in terms of the peace agreement between the two countries. The European War was just a bad memory.
Darlan now took the opportunity to have a confidential discussion with von Altendorf about the French colonies. He disclosed the salient conclusions of de Gaulle’s report.
Von Altendorf took a moment to finish his coffee before replying.
“In 1939 a study of the British, Dutch, French, Portuguese and Japanese empires was undertaken at the request of Adolf Hitler. I read that report shortly after it was finished the following year. It was very comprehensive and I recall several particular conclusions that I think are relevant to your own situation.
One particular assumption was that in the event of war with the Axis countries, Great Britain, Holland and France would ultimately be defeated and their empires forfeited to the victors. Obviously that scenario no longer applies.
Of more significance, was the belief that the European empires were great stabilising influences in the world, as the world was in 1939. This, I believe, is still the case. However, I stress that this is the case at this particular moment in time, 1944.
The German report detailed the history of empires as far back as the Roman Empire. It made very interesting reading. With regards to the Dutch and French Empires, and the British territories in Asia and Africa, it concluded that virtually all the colonies would, sooner or later, start seeking at least some form of autonomy, but more likely, complete independence. No timespan was envisioned but it was more or less thought that it could happen possibly as early as within the next generation.
It was the conclusions of this particular report that led us not to press for the return of the previously German colonies in Africa, in our peace negotiations with the British. It also deterred us from claiming some of French colonies in 1940 as part of the armistice agreement. Neither did we want any of the Belgian or Dutch colonies. We saw them all as potential liabilities and future trouble. Not everybody in Germany agreed with this at the time, but it was certainly the majority view of those who thought deeply on the subject.
The native populations of the continent of Africa have a long history of despotism and violence. Local politicians are too quick to stir up trouble for their own ends. There is perpetual tribal and religious warfare or violence in both Africa and Asia. We wanted no part of it.
Oddly enough, the Japanese were deemed to be the only people capable of keeping their empire intact. But it would involve savagery, and brutal suppression of all resistance and opposition. The Japanese have shown themselves to be capable of such barbarity. I do not think the European powers could do it.
One other point for you to consider is this. If France pursues the existing ‘integrationist’ approach, you would be opening the door to a potential flood of migrants, in particular from the Muslim countries of North Africa — Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia — which are situated so close to your shores. Are you prepared for this? And could you be certain this would be in the best interests of France?
Religious bigotry and intolerance has been virtually eliminated from the continent of Europe. This is not the case with the Muslim religion. Why should France now import religious strife?
You have asked me my thoughts on this issue. I feel I must be frank. If France were my country I would act only in the interests of my people. I do not believe that an integrationist policy is the correct way. Neither do I think it would succeed.”
Von Altendorf had answered Darlan’s question. The French President appreciated the honesty of the German. He felt that he was now able to make a decision. He would first meet with de Gaulle.
The meeting with de Gaulle had gone well. The Minister for Colonies agreed with a course of action worked out between himself and the President. They would start preparing the French overseas territories for independence. A full government meeting approved their agenda and timetable forty eight hours later.
There would be a lot of dissatisfaction among the French populace in general, and huge resentment and resistance from French settlers in the colonies. But it was better to suffer some shorter term unrest now, than condemn France to future unwinnable colonial wars or major permanent internal unrest, insurgency and terrorism.
Preparations would begin for the eventual return of as many as one million French settlers as the colonies became self-governing. This would cause some social upheaval in France. Accommodation and jobs would have to be created. To ease the pressure, the timetable for independence would be spread over a three year period. The future incoming territorial governments would be given incentives to make the transition from colony to independent country, a smooth one.
The British Foreign Secretary had heard through embassy sources that the French were about to make radical changes within their colonial empire. He had thought that this called for a brief visit to Berlin and an informal ‘chat’ with Baron von Altendorf. The Germans seemed to know just about everything going on in the world these days.
They met a week later.
Von Altendorf’s position proscribed him from betraying any confidences between himself and President Darlan, but much of what had been discussed in Paris was at least partly common knowledge. If this wasn’t the case at the moment, it soon would be!
Sir Anthony was referred by von Altendorf to the same report commissioned by Hitler on colonial empires, as Darlan had been. And told of the same conclusions.
“The British Empire is the largest empire in history, Sir Anthony. It has been a source of wonder and envy to the rest of the world for generations. It covers one quarter of the globe.
However, I think things are changing, are they not? The ‘Jewel in the crown’, India, is demanding the independence they believe was promised to them before the European War. After this, is it not inevitable that other countries within the empire will follow suit?
I personally, am filled with great sadness at the thought of this magnificent stabilising force in the world, diminishing. Neither am I convinced that the world will be a better place without the British and French empires. My personal view is that the populations of many of the future independent African and Asian countries will suffer to a greater or lesser degree, under their new rulers.
However, world opinion, influenced by the Americans and — hypocritically — the Soviets, now says that all peoples are entitled to ‘self-determination’. Mussolini, not normally known for intelligence remarks, once quoted, ‘Democracy is beautiful in theory. In practice it is a fallacy.’ The Americans are naïve in their assumption that democracy will flourish in Africa and Asia. At least not without decades or even generations of warfare, tribalism, misery and death for millions of innocent people. And what does the Soviet monster, comrade Stalin know, or care, about people’s rights?
In India alone, I regret to say that I foresee countless deaths as religious bigotry flares up into violence between the Muslims and Hindus.