Adrien Tixier

Adrien Tixier was a teacher before the First World War. A severe wound in August 1914 cost him an arm and left lasting injuries. He became active in veterans' organizations and Socialist politics, then joined the International Labour Office, where he directed social insurance work and became a deputy director responsible for international labor legislation. ¹

After opposing the 1940 armistice, Tixier went to the United States and became de Gaulle's unofficial representative in Washington in 1941. He worked with France Forever to seek American recognition and helped press de Gaulle to reaffirm democratic and republican principles. ¹

In February 1942 he agreed with Assistant Secretary of State Adolf Berle on a clearer channel for Free French visa applications. They also discussed a proposed military mission and assurances concerning New Caledonia and Tahiti, where competing claims of French authority complicated Allied cooperation. ²

Tixier joined the French Committee of National Liberation as commissioner for labor and social welfare in 1943 and became interior minister after liberation. He reorganized the administration, dissolved the patriotic militias, and organized the 1945 elections. His responsibilities also included Algeria during the repression of May 1945. He died in 1946 following surgery related to his wartime injuries. ¹