AHC/WI: FDR's plan for an independent Greater Wallonia

[whall15]

Anthony Eden claims in his memoirs, that in 1942, FDR had discussed with him the idea of an independent Greater Wallonia comprising of Wallonian Belgium, Alsace-Lorraine, Luxembourg and 'a part of Northern France' (for that matter, Eden also claims FDR discussed the idea of balkanising Germany and Yugoslavia (oh the irony) and of the UK giving Hong Kong to China as a 'good will gesture').

How realistic would have FDR's proposal had been, and if implemented how would have it have affected post-War Europe?

 

[Lalli]

At least Greater Wallonia would had been complete disaster. French wouldn't are happy. Not all.

 

[French Frog]

Alsace Lorraine would also likely loose their special relationship with Paris which brings them many favorable and enviable benefits so they wont be in either.

 

[West234]

This kind of tracks with what I know about FDRs opinion of post war France. He personally quite disliked Charles De Gaul and did not want him to be considered a major European power during the peace conference. He also considered recognizing Vichy France at over him, not giving him any part of the occupation in Germany, and not giving France Indochina after the war in the pacific.

 

[rfmcdonald]

Anthony Eden claims in his memoirs, that in 1942, FDR had discussed with him the idea of an independent Greater Wallonia comprising of Wallonian Belgium, Alsace-Lorraine, Luxembourg and 'a part of Northern France' (for that matter, Eden also claims FDR discussed the idea of balkanising Germany and Yugoslavia (oh the irony) and of the UK giving Hong Kong to China as a 'good will gesture').

How realistic would have FDR's proposal had been, and if implemented how would have it have affected post-War Europe?

What would be the point of disintegrating France?

 

[rfmcdonald]

At least Greater Wallonia would had been complete disaster. French wouldn't are happy. Not all.

I just do not think this would be a viable state. Especially with the inclusion of populous French territories and assuming Walloon hostility towards anything like Belgium, this state ending up falling into France seems more likely than not.

 

[Discernible]

Eden also claims FDR discussed the idea of balkanising Germany

"Dismembering" Germany was on the agenda of several of the Allied leader conferences until Stalin unilaterally bunkered it.

The Greater Wallonia idea seems a bit left field since such a state wasn't even demanded by any significant opinion in the area. If FDR did propose it, it feels like one of those flights of fancy based on Middle Francia. At least Churchill's flight of fancy - some sort of restored Austria-Hungary (sans Slavs) - was within living memory.

 

[Seandineen]

Get ready to bust your sides laughing.
What if this Walldoon state asks Leopold III, to be its king after the abdication crisis in Belgium?

 

[raharris1973]

until Stalin unilaterally bunkered it.

....ironic, huh?

It was sort of like Stalin was the 'grown-up' in the room after FDR and Churchill were flogging their various fancy maps. Stalin comes in and says, 'Nyet, cut the crap. We need a Germany to pay for the war.'

 

[Discernible]

Get ready to bust your sides laughing.
What if this Walldoon state asks Leopold III, to be its king after the abdication crisis in Belgium?

Which would be further ironic since the francophone monarchy was rejected by francophone Wallonia in the referendum and supported Dutch-speaking Flemish.