C. Use of Vichy Issues after switch of loyalty from Vichy.

In November 1942, Admiral Darlan (Vice Premier of Vichy) abandoned Vichy while visiting Africa. The A.O.F. (French West Africa) switched loyalty to Darlan. In late December, he was assassinated by a Free French militant.

As his successor, the British preferred General DeGaulle, the U.S. favored General Giraud. Giraud was appointed as Darlan’s successor as High Commissioner of North Africa (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia). The A.O.F. (French West Africa) adhered to Giraud.

Vichy postal authorities were retained, but communications with Vichy France were discontinued.

General Giraud refused to align with the Free French. However, he began collaborating with Free French in February, agreeing to merge anti-German planning. In November a banking scandal involving Germany forced Giraud to step down as President of the combined Giraud and Free French movements. General DeGaulle unified the two segments the day following Giraud’s resignation.

Vichy issues used by Giraud colonies are common between November 1942 and November 1943 among the following: Algeria, Dahomey, Togo, Ivory Coast, French Guinea, Morocco,

French Sudan, Senegal, and Tunisia.