Traces the life and political career of Pierre Laval. Originally a socialist lawyer, during the 1930s he served in various government positions. In 1940 he joined the Vichy government. States that although he was not himself antisemitic or enthusiastic about Vichy's antisemitic laws, Laval believed they would improve relations with the Nazis. In April 1942 he became Prime Minister. In June roundups and deportations began, with the cooperation of the French police. Laval later claimed that he fought German demands and protected Jews. However, he appointed the antisemitic agitator Darquier de Pellepoix to handle Jewish affairs, and was mainly interested in a Franco-German alliance and relieving the suffering of the French population. He was willing to arrest foreign Jews in return for a temporary respite for French Jews. Emphasizes that from 1943 on, French local authorities were reluctant to help the Nazis find and deport Jews, except for fascist elements. But Darnand's Milice, given full police powers by Laval, were deeply involved.
