WesWorld

December 9
The Salon du Cheval de Paris opened today. One of the world's premier equestrian events, it will run until December 16th.

December 11
Édith Piaf's new song De l'Autre Côté de la Rue has become a bestselling record in France.

December 14
The new pipeline running to the port and refinery of Bougie, Algeria has been completed and enters operation.

December 15
The destroyer Forbin was completed today in La Rochelle. This ship, the first of a class of powerful new contre-torpilleur, carries the new French 13cm dual-purpose gun. Five other ships are under construction and two more are planned. The Marine Nationale is reportedly interested in ordering four more ships in 1944.

December 17
Contre-amiral Yves Desailly, former commander of the Forces Légères d'Attaque in Bizerte, has been promoted to command the Indian Ocean Flotilla.

December 20
The French government released a report publicizing the progress remaining before the January 30th deadline for territorial changes in Tchad, Togo, and the New Hebrides. According to the report, the government is preparing a special funding bill to begin improvements in the new territories and the Togo mandate. Minister of Colonies Georges Mandel indicated that if the bills pass, France would spend approximately 25% more on infrastructure development and 40% more on education initiatives in Togo than Britain spent in 1943. Mandel indicated that one of the highest priorities was establishing a system to provide clear drinking water in the major cities.

December 22
The final military trials for the Avanguardias was held today in an unknown location. Eight of the men sentenced today will be turned over immediately to the Greek government for trial regarding their role in the hijacking of the Greek coastal freighter Efimia. The French government only recently confirmed rumors that at least one senior member of the Avanguardia movement was not present in Monaco when the 13th RDP stormed the principality and rounded up the group.

December 25
France celebrates Christmas.

December 28
A French expedition led by Sous-Lieutenant Gustave Remy has departed to conduct a survey of the Mount Nimba Region of Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire. His junior rank notwithstanding, Sous-Lieutenant Remy has been busy acquiring an impressive career in exploration over the past four years, having recently summited Mont Blanc, Mount Elbrus, and Aconcagua. Remy is leading a team of surveyors and biologists to investigate the Mount Nimba region for possible creation of a nature preserve.