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Free French Forces Appeal records, 1940-19571940-1957

by Free French Forces Appeal


Administrative / Biographical Note

The Free French Forces (also called Free French Forces Appeal or Forces françaises libres) were individuals or military units who joined "Free France" (la France libre), the resistance organisation founded by Charles de Gaulle after his appeal of 18th June 1940 in London. Its aim was to continue the struggle against the Axis powers.
It was created in February 1941. André Brenac was the first chairman. At the same time, The Free French Movement in Australia was created.
The Free French Forces Appeal was shook up, becoming the French Comfort Fund. Then, it had to stop its activities in 1948 because Melbourne commission of distribution, controlling the war charities, didn’t allowed them to keep going.

The Free French Movement in Australia (Mouvement France Libre en Australie) has been constituted by the Free Frenchmen in Australia in March 1941. It encourages support for the Free French Forces in Australia and other places throughout the world in aid of the cause of France, organizes activities of French citizens and sympathizers and encourages the raising of funds for the Free French Forces Appeal in Australia. 
M. Brenac, leader of the Free French Forces in Australia appointed by the General de Gaulle played a crucial part in.
In view of the continued recognition of the French Consulates in Australia, it has not been possible for the Commonwealth Government to grant any form of official recognition to M. Brenac, but at the same time close contact has been maintained with him.
The Free French Movement was dissoluted in June 1944 and replaced by the French Australian Association.



References:
http://www.info.dfat.gov.au
Collection material