UK blogs use cookies to make the site simpler. Find out more about cookies. Seventy-five years ago today, on 13 September , a Dakota aircraft, with an escort of 45 Spitfires, flew across the English Channel towards Paris.
The liberation of Paris from German occupation in August meant a chance to reopen the British Embassy which had been closed since June With the provisional government of General Charles de Gaulle now in the French capital, it was a priority for the British to re-establish a presence in the city.
Cooper was returning to his original profession. He had begun his career as a diplomat before pursuing a life in politics. He was an ardent Francophile, spoke fluent French and steeped in the history and culture of the country. In Algiers, he had developed good relationships with senior French ministers and officials. He argued that a member of the Foreign Service was always more effective with his wife and,.
Holman had arrived earlier in the month with the combination codes to the safes and 50, francs in cash. He took possession of the building from the Swiss consul who, as the protecting power, had taken responsibility for it during the occupation. The Embassy was swept for any listening devices left behind by the Germans but none were found.
In fact, the Germans had left the building untouched. When the embassy was vacated in the doorkeeper, William Chrystie, was left in charge. One day in Herman Goering turned up, looking for a suitable house, and demanded admittance. He was subsequently arrested and imprisoned for 5 months, but the Germans never occupied the building. Whilst the building was in good condition it would be a month before it was inhabitable as there was no water or electricity and the building resembled a flea-market.
