Germany Policy To French Indochina Colonies June 1940 – December 1941 A Study in the Light of German Documents

Abstract

Amidst the developments witnessed in Europe in September 1939, Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. After consolidating its control over it, its armies headed to Western Europe and began occupying the Netherlands and Belgium until, on June 14, 1940, it was able to occupy France and establish a government loyal to it known as the Vichy government. With this control, France and its colonies were subject to Germany, especially the French Indochina colonies, meaning Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, which were established in 1887.

Due to a number of factors, foremost among which was its preoccupation with the European arena, Germany adopted a special policy toward the French Indochina colonies. This policy was based on supporting Japan to control this region and extend its influence to East Asia, in accordance with the principles of the Tripartite Pact of September 27, 1940, while maintaining its influence there, in exchange for obtaining the raw materials necessary for its war effort. At a later stage, in June 1941, this policy aimed to open a new front against the Soviet Union, limit the role of the United States of America, and reduce its influence in that region.

In light of this, the research was divided into an introduction, two topics, and a conclusion. The first topic dealt with the political and military importance of the French Indochina colonies, while the second topic reviewed the economic importance of French Indochina colonies. The conclusion included the most important conclusions reached by the research.