Movements under control

Countries at war, for fear of spies, beware of “floating populations”, hence the will to control the flow of population.

Refugees were always potential suspects: their mail was read, accurate census data were kept by mayors and prefects, those who had been reported for shady deals were closely supervised, the returning flow was strictly monitored after allied reconquest. Identity cards were gradually issued.

The various stages of the repatriation process were well regulated and defined. The idea was to allow civilians from the German to the French side. The applicants registered, underwent a medical check, then, at the last moment, were gathered and a thorough search and labelling of luggage were carried out. On arrival, meals and clothing were provided at the Evian casino and identification papers were handed out after questioning by the special Commissariat.

Follow up was made possible by a records system indicating the destination of each returnee. There were some limits to the control process, however. Though refugees were directed towards western and southern France, many of them left to find work near Paris or their hometowns.

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  • Notice about the population census, signed by the Mayor of Laon, 30 October 1914, paper, Departmental Archives of the Aisne – mark FRAD002 Laon 4H135 E-dépôt 401

    In order to keep tabs on the populations of the occupied zones it was crucial that one had a clear understanding of many civilians were living in each city and village. The military authorities thus forced the mayors to conduct a census.

  • Map of the Army Zone of March 15th, 1917, indicating the boundary between the zone reserved for the Army and the zone that was not reserved, 15 March 1917, paper, Departmental Archives of the Aisne – mark FRAD002 Dommiers D2

    Some sectors were not open to civilians in the zones near the frontline. Others were but under some conditions.

notice about the population census, signed by the Mayor of Laonmap of the Army Zone of March 15th, 1917