Why Didn't Germany Use French POWs in Operation Barbarossa?

During World War II, the German military often utilized foreign troops to bolster their ranks. However, the question of using French prisoners of war (POWs) in Operation Barbarossa raises several pertinent issues, including legal, logistical, and strategic considerations.

The Concerns Behind Using French POWs

There’s a common misconception that French POWs would have been ideal candidates to fight against the Soviet Union. However, this is a misunderstanding. French POWs, particularly those from the Vichy government, did fight for the Germans during various campaigns, such as in the Battle of Berlin. The idea of using French POWs to fight against their allies, the Soviets, is fundamentally flawed for several reasons.

Violation of the Geneva Convention

The Geneva Convention strictly prohibits the use of captured enemy personnel for war aims. Captured soldiers, like POWs, are protected under international law. Even the use of mechanically inclined POWs in labor-intensive roles, such as working in munitions factories, is strictly forbidden. Attempting to use French POWs in combat would undoubtedly violate these international laws.

Military Security Risks

The use of French POWs would pose significant security risks to the German military. POWs, especially those from the French Vichy regime, were known to be sympathetic to their country’s cause. These prisoners could potentially turn their weapons against their German captors, which would be a critical security breach. The German military leadership had ample reason to avoid this risk.

Other Examples of Foreign Troops Used by the German Army

Contrary to the idea of using French POWs, the German military did recruit many foreign troops during World War II. These included:

Recruitment of Russian Soldiers: Some Russian soldiers who were captured by the Germans were recruited to fight against communists. Volunteers from Spain: General Francisco Franco’s volunteers in the Spanish Civil War, despite Spain’s official neutrality, joined the German cause. Waffen SS Volunteers: The Waffen SS recruited soldiers from various European countries, including Albania, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and even a small number of British POWs. Swiss Nationalists: A small number of Swiss nationals of German origin fought for the German army.

Why Not Use French POWs for Military Purposes?

The French, like any nation, would have hesitated to collaborate with their enemy, especially after the fall of France in 1940. The prospect of surrendering to a "loud fart" (a German slang phrase for explosion, likely meant to convey a sense of alarm or panic) highlights the psychological and practical challenges of such a decision. Moreover, even today, the idea of using French POWs for military purposes would be seen as a serious strategic liability.

Legal and Strategic Implications

The decision not to use French POWs in Operation Barbarossa was influenced by legal, security, and strategic considerations:

Violation of International Law: Using French POWs would have been a gross violation of the Geneva Convention. While the German leadership may have been less concerned with international law, the risk of such a violation could have significant diplomatic and strategic repercussions. Security Risks: French prisoners of war could serve as potential fifth columnists, presenting a significant risk to German military operations. The idea of “drafting” French nationals would have further complicated the already fragile German-French relations. Public Sentiment: The furor among the French population and the potential resistance to such a move would have been significant, even for the Nazi regime. The German military leadership was acutely aware of the potential for the French to unite against their captors, opening the so-called Second Front long before the Allies did.

In conclusion, the decision not to use French POWs in Operation Barbarossa reflects a pragmatic and risk-averse approach to military strategy that prioritized avoiding legal violations, maintaining security, and managing public sentiment. The German leadership was acutely aware of the complex interplay of legal, military, and political considerations in warfare.