Black Markets and War Booty

Abstract

Deciding who was entitled to keep materials captured from the Germans proved to be a sore issue between the French and the Americans that was not resolved until the Americans’ departure rendered the question moot. Both sides were interested in keeping war booty and American supplies out of French black markets. Cigarettes and gasoline vanished into these black markets in alarming quantities. However, the profits to be made by dishonest GIs, French civilians, and government officials proved too alluring, and it was impossible to stamp out illicit sales. Well-meaning GIs who gave away army property as small gifts ensnared many unsuspecting French civilians in police sweeps.