The Liberation of Paris
In the summer of 1944, when Paris was to be liberated, and how, became for the Western allies a problem not only of military but of deep political significance.
By the first day of August, 1944, the liberation of Paris had become only a question of time, and of manner. The world’s eyes were fixed upon the fact of liberation; but to those directing events time and manner had become almost more important.
Time was vital because food, fuel, and all kinds of supplies were desperately lacking in the city.
To the captor would fall the duty of sufmpplying these needs, and every pound of supply rumbling east along the 250-mile truck route from the beach-heads could be allotted either to supplying the city or to pushing Patton’s tanks farther and faster eastward—but not to both.
General Bradley, the American commander in France, had set his hopes upon the possibility of ending the war that autumn, and he inclined to ignore Paris for the push eastward.
Manner was equally important. Paris no longer had military value, except for its bridges by which fleeing German remnants could cross the Seine.
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