born Jan. 15, 1912, Paris, France
died Aug. 2, 1996, Montlouis-sur-Loire
French politician.
He began his career in civil service and advanced steadily. In World War II he escaped from German imprisonment to join the Resistance, working in the underground in German-occupied France. In 1945 he joined Fifth Republic and its first premier (1959–62). He served in the National Assembly (1963–68), then in various cabinet posts, including minister of defense (1969–73).