Law on Departmentalization
The Law on Departmentalization is a French law adopted in 1946 that established the "four of Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, and French Guiana as overseas departments of France.
The law was unanimously adopted following a proposal by Aimé Césaire, the youngest deputy from Overseas France. It symbolically and practically marked the integration of these territories. These regions were thereby removed from the French colonial empire and came under the administration of prefects reporting to the French [Ministry of the Interior].
Drafting
The Law on Departmentalization originated from several legislative proposals. The first, presented by Léopold Bissol, pertained to Martinique. The second, proposed by Gaston Monnerville, concerned French Guiana. The third, by Raymond Vergès, addressed Réunion, and the last, focused on Guadeloupe, was submitted by Eugénie Éboué-Tell.Text
From the Official Journal of the French RepublicLAW No. 46-451 of March 19, 1946, concerning the classification of Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, and French Guiana as French departments.
The National Constituent Assembly has adopted,
The President of the Provisional Government of the French Republic promulgates the following law:
- Article 1. - The colonies of Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, and French Guiana are established as French departments.
- Article 2. - Laws and decrees currently in force in metropolitan France but not yet applied to these colonies shall, before January 1, 1947, be the subject of application decrees for these new departments.
- Article 3. - Upon the promulgation of this law, new laws applicable to metropolitan France shall also apply to these departments, with explicit mention in the text. This law, deliberated and adopted by the National Constituent Assembly, shall be enacted as a state law.
Félix Gouin.
By the President of the Provisional Government of the Republic:
The Minister of Overseas France, Marius Moutet.
The Minister of the Interior, André Le Troquer.