LAVAL, Pierre (Laval)

Laval, Pierre (Laval), (1883-1945), French statesman, prime minister of the collaborationist government, "Vichy". Born June 28, 1883 in Shateldone. Lawyer by profession. In 1914-19 and in 1924-27 was a member of parliament.

Repeatedly entered the government. In January 1931 - January 1932 and June 1935 - January 1936 Laval was the Prime Minister of France. After the assassination in Marseille October 9, 1934 Foreign Minister Louis Barthou, this post was occupied (until June 1935) Laval. Since the beginning of 2 nd World War Laval sought to sign a separate peace with Nazi Germany. After France's defeat and the armistice Laval 23 June 1940 was appointed state minister in the government of Philippe Petain, where he appeared as a direct accomplice of Hitler. From April 1942 to August 1944 he was prime minister of the collaborationist government "Vichy". After the liberation of France in 1944, Laval fled first to Spain, then to Austria. July 31, 1945 arrested in Innsbruck Americans. In August 1945, Laval was granted to the French authorities, tried to commit suicide. He was sentenced to death as a traitor and executed October 15, 1945.