Colored Troops in the French Army / A Report from the Department of State Relating to the Colored Troops in the French Army and the Number of French Colonial Troops in the Occupied Territory

by United States. Department of State

Appendix IV.

Coblenz, July 26, 1920.

Secretary of State,
Washington:

Your June 22, 5 p. m., regarding alleged mistreatment by French colored troops of German women. The average number of French Negro troops on the Rhine from January, 1919, to June, 1920, was 5,200. The number of North African troops, Arabs, and mixed blood, 20,000. All regiments of pure Negroes (Senegalese) were removed June 5, one regiment of Madagascar troops and a few individual Negro or Negroid remaining in other colonial troops. During entire period of occupation there were 66 cases of actual or alleged rape, sodomy, or similar offenses reported to French officials. The action taken resulted in 28 convictions, 11 acquittals, the other cases not being completed. The offenses included some insulting proposals and offensive conduct toward German women. The sentences varied from 30 days, to 10 years, confinement. Widespread reports and complaints in the German press are based on the foregoing cases and some others not officially reported to French officials, and while these reports have some foundation they are undoubtedly greatly exaggerated and are being used as propaganda against the French troops and are inspired by possibilities of war animosity. Investigation continuing. Full report follows.

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