Family tree of Jacques BENOIST-MECHIN

Journalist

French Born Jacques Gabriel Paul Michel BENOIST-MECHIN

French far right politician and writer

Born on July 01, 1901 in Paris, France , France

Died on February 24, 1983 in Paris, France

Born on july 01 55

Deceased on february 24 36

Family tree

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Méchin

Lucien Charles Alexandre

1804 - 1854

Faurès

Hortense Elisabeth

1803 - 1884

Benoist

Alfred

1814 - 1872

Méchin

Marie Elisabeth Berthe

1832 - 1873

Benoist-Mechin

Gabriel

1854 - 1923

Gatel

Marie Louise

1869 - 1966

Benoist-Mechin

Jacques Michel Gabriel Paul

1901 - 1983

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Source : jelumac

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Although active as both a writer and rightist political figure Jacques Benoist-Méchin did not fully come to prominence until the German occupation of France during World War II, which was somewhat welcomed by the Germanophile. In early 1942 he received from his personal friend Otto Abetz an offer that would guarantee France effective independence if the country agreed to become a military ally of Germany, although when the offer was officially made the terms had been watered down somewhat. Despite this loss of face Benoist-Méchin was an enthusiastic collaborator who claimed that France was working with Germany rather than opposing her and risking further defeat or working for her and thus becoming subservient.

A minister without portfolio in Vichy France, Benoist-Méchin's influence grew when he, along with his allies Paul Marion and Joseph Darnand, was appointed to the controlling committee of the Legion des Volontaires Francais in June 1942. In this position he suggested renaming the group Légion Tricolore and converting it into a professional military unit, an idea soon adopted.

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