15

In autumn?1942, when Hitler orders the French Army of the Armistice to be disbanded, he suggests to P?tain that he form an armed force loyal to the regime. P?tain readily complies, and in December General Bridoux at the Ministry of War presents a blueprint. Control of this force, which the Germans limit to a single brigade, is given to Laval. Its units are scattered throughout Cher and Indre?; its weapons remain French. In late May?1943, a recruitment campaign opens on the platform of anticommunism and support of the regime, and by autumn the bridage is ready.