The representation of Vichy's foreign interests by Switzerland in the shadow of the Occupation and of Free France

According to Henri Michel it is possible to use the concept of "neutrality" of the Vichy regime in "New Europe". However, the war dynamics and the challenges of Free France broke the importance and the quality of its diplomatic relations and forced Vichy to ask Switzerland to represent its interests in the states which had broken off diplomatic ties. The Anglo-American landing in North Africa speeded the whole process up and Switzerland accepted Vichy's mandates, all the more since they strengthened an important state with regard to good neighbourly relations, economic interests and the indispensable transit to the Atlantic. Swiss protection turned out to be efficient in administrative tasks as well as helping French residents abroad, but totally inefficient when confronted with key issues of the occupying power. The efficiency of the protection was also limited by the ambition of Free France to impose its legitimacy over that of Vichy. Adapted from the source document.