Maurice Schumann, French journalist and politician, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs for France (d. 1998)

Maurice Schumann: A French Statesman's Enduring Legacy

Maurice Schumann, born on April 10, 1911, and passing away on February 9, 1998, was a towering figure in 20th-century French public life. His multifaceted career spanned journalism, writing, and politics, culminating in his esteemed service as a hero of the Second World War and later as France's Minister of Foreign Affairs. He held this crucial diplomatic post from June 22, 1969, to March 15, 1973, under the presidency of Georges Pompidou, playing a significant role in shaping France's international relations during a pivotal era.

Early Life, Education, and Personal Beliefs

Schumann's background was a rich tapestry of cultural and religious influences. Born to an Alsatian Jewish father and a Roman Catholic mother, his early life was shaped by this diverse heritage. He received a distinguished education at two of Paris's most renowned institutions: the Lycée Janson-de-Sailly and the Lycée Henri-IV, foundations that undoubtedly sharpened his intellect and oratorical skills. In 1937, he made a personal decision to convert to his mother's Roman Catholic faith, a significant step in his spiritual journey.

The "Voice of France" During World War II

During the dark days of the Second World War, Maurice Schumann rose to prominence as an unwavering voice of the French Resistance. Operating from London, he became a familiar and comforting presence for many French citizens living under occupation. He broadcast vital news reports and insightful commentaries into France via the BBC French Service, becoming a symbol of hope and defiance. Over the course of the war, he delivered an extraordinary approximate 1,000 broadcasts, often as part of popular programs like "Honneur et Patrie" (Honor and Fatherland), which served to rally national spirit and provide crucial information. This tireless effort earned him the affectionate and powerful title of "the voice of France." In a poignant reflection on the agonizing predicament of the French populace, particularly concerning the Allied bombing raids targeting German strongholds in France, he once remarked on the 'atrocious fate' they endured: "....and now we are reduced to the most atrocious fate: to be killed without killing back, to be killed by friends without being able to kill our enemies." This powerful statement captured the complex moral and physical suffering of civilians caught in the brutal machinery of war.

Political Career and European Diplomacy

Following the war, Schumann continued his dedicated public service, transitioning into a prominent political career. He was a committed member of the Christian democratic Popular Republican Movement (Mouvement Républicain Populaire, MRP), a significant centrist party in post-war France known for its commitment to social justice, democratic principles, and European integration. His tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs was marked by crucial diplomatic efforts, particularly concerning the expansion of the European Community. In 1969, during a pivotal meeting of the foreign ministers of the European Community, Schumann articulated France's precise conditions for Britain's third application to join the burgeoning economic bloc. He unequivocally stated that fundamental questions related to agricultural finance had to be resolved to France's satisfaction before any British accession could proceed. This stance highlighted France's steadfast commitment to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), a cornerstone of the then-European Economic Community, and its desire to ensure the stability and integrity of the bloc's foundational principles.

Legacy and Passing

Maurice Schumann passed away peacefully in Paris on February 9, 1998, at the age of 86. His life was a testament to his dedication to France, his intellectual prowess, and his significant contributions to both national and international affairs, leaving an indelible mark on French history and European integration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What were Maurice Schumann's main professional roles?

Maurice Schumann was a French politician, journalist, writer, and a hero of the Second World War. His most prominent political role was serving as France's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

2. What was his notable contribution during the Second World War?

During World War II, he became known as "the voice of France" by broadcasting news reports and commentaries into occupied France about 1,000 times on the BBC French Service, notably in programs like "Honneur et Patrie."

3. Which political party did Maurice Schumann belong to?

He was a member of the Christian democratic Popular Republican Movement (Mouvement Républicain Populaire, MRP), a significant centrist party in post-war France.

4. What was his stance on Britain joining the European Community?

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, he laid out France's conditions for Britain's third application to join the European Community, insisting that issues concerning agricultural finance had to be settled first.

5. What was his religious background?

Born to an Alsatian Jewish father and a Roman Catholic mother, he converted to his mother's Roman Catholic faith in 1937.