This reproduction of the guide issued to members of the British forces deployed to France at the end of World War Two is a fascinating artefact. It’s packed with interesting detail, but most importantly it’s written with a common sense compassion that is often lacking in the modern world. ( )

About twice the size of the similar booklet distributed to Americans prior to their deployment in England, but with the same ‘feel’ – a reminder of what the host country had been through, and guidelines to behave as proper representatives of the visiting country. This one also includes a brief history lesson of France and French phrasebook. The sections cautioning against the allure of French women that would likely be on soldier’s minds are interesting, as are the points made that British bombing of the Germans in France had killed civilians, and the naval blockage denied food to them – so that while the French embraced their liberators, there might be occasional unevenness in individual people’s reactions.

Quotes:
This one from Winston Churchill 8/31/43 as a preface:
“You may be sure that France will rise again free, united, and independent, to stand on guard with others over the generous tolerances and brightening opportunities of the human society we mean to rescue and rebuild.”

“You will often think that two Frenchmen are having a violent quarrel when they are simply arguing some abstract point. The excitement is all on the surface; fundamentally they are at least as tolerant as ourselves.
The French, however, are not tolerant of authority – as the Germans have found to their cost. Their first reaction to a uniform or a regulation is not to obey unquestioningly, but rather to ask whether it is necessary and make disrespectful comments if they decide it is not. This is all part of the Frenchman’s deep belief in the individual. He is convinced of his right to think for himself and voice his criticisms aloud.”

“Thanks to jokes about ‘Gay Paree’, ‘French farce’, and ‘Pictures from Paris’, there is a fairly widespread belief among people in Britain that the French are a particularly gay, frivolous people with no morals and few convictions. This is especially true at the present time, when the French have been living a life of hardship and suffering. But the idea of the French living a glorious orgy of ‘wine, women and song’ never was true, even before the war.”

“If you should happen to imagine that the first pretty French girl who smiles at you intends to dance the can-can or take you to bed, you will risk stirring up a lot of trouble for yourself – and for our relations with the French.” ( )

Interesting glimpse into history where the British troops are sensitised as to French customs of the time and encouraged to appreciate the alliance between the two countries during WWII. ( )