1945 World War II Broadside Propaganda Map of France and World

An unusual and uncommon post-World War II propaganda broadside map calling for global support in the reconstruction of France. This curiosity was issued c. 1945 in New York City by the French Press and Information Service, a New York based agency of the French Provisional Government. The document is two sided.

Once side features a three dimensional map of France with its various resources depicted pictorially and references via a legend at the base of the map. The title suggests the map's intent - to promote global interest in the reconstruction of France. To the left of the map, France's grievous losses in various wars with Germany between 1870 and 1945 are highlighted. To emphasis the point, a table in the lower left details the enormous loss in population and wealth in each of these wars.

The opposite side of the sheet features a map of the world with French claims highlighted in pink. These include much of west Africa, French Indochina, Madagascar, Surinam, various Caribbean Islands, Djibouti, and of course, France itself. The flags of the primary Allied Powers appear in the upper left quadrant. In bold text, the map features an appeal,

By the side of those with whom she fought against the Nazi oppressor and in particular with the United States, England and the Soviet Union, France hopes to build A NEW WORLD< BASED ON DEMOCRACY AND COLLECTIVE SECURITY.

This map was designed by PICK-S, a curious imprint that we have seen before associated with American World War II propaganda posters. Nonetheless, PICK-S, has proven elusive and we are unable offer further information on this firm or individual.