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Man shows identity papers to gendarmes, September 1939
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Man shows identity papers to gendarmes, September 1939
Man suspected of being a foreigner presents his papers of identity to two paramilitary police officers for inspection in Paris, shortly after the outbreak of war. Date: 1939
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Media ID 23268944
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Alien Aliens Foreign Foreigner Gendarmes Jul19 Outbreak Policeman Policemen Suspect Officers
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This poignant image captures a moment of uncertainty and fear during the early days of World War II. In September 1939, just weeks after the outbreak of the war, a man presents his identity papers to two gendarmes, or paramilitary police officers, for inspection in Paris, France. The man's furrowed brow and tense posture betray his anxiety as the officers scrutinize his documents. The atmosphere is heavy with suspicion and the potential for disaster. The year 1939 marked the beginning of a dark period in European history, as the continent was plunged into the horrors of the Second World War. The war brought with it a wave of fear and suspicion, particularly towards foreigners and those perceived as "aliens." In France, as in many other countries, the authorities began to crack down on those who did not hold French citizenship. The man in this photograph is just one of many who were subjected to such inspections. His identity papers may hold the key to his fate – would he be allowed to remain in Paris, or would he be forced to leave? The answer would depend on the officers' interpretation of the documents before them and the political climate of the time. This image serves as a stark reminder of the fear and uncertainty that gripped Europe during the early days of the Second World War. It is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of protecting the rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity.
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