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Reynaud, Paul 1878-1966
French statesman

He was born in Barcelonnette. Originally a barrister, he held many French government posts; he was influenced by De Gaulle's advocacy of armoured warfare and opposed appeasement. He was appointed Prime Minister in 1940 with the intention of instigating a more rigorous war effort but the German onslaught led to his fall. He was replaced by Philippe Pétain, who sought an armistice. Reynaud was imprisoned by the Germans during the war. Afterwards he re-entered politics but without regaining his former influence, and lost his seat in 1962. He was a delegate to the Council of Europe (1949).