WORLD BRIEFING | EUROPE; France: Pensions for Foreign Veterans Raised

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The government decided to raise significantly the pensions of veterans who fought for France as foreigners in World War II, finally paying them the same as their French comrades in arms. The decision coincided with the release of the film “ Indigènes” (its English title is “ Days of Glory” ), which focuses on the discrimination suffered by troops from France’ s colonies in Africa during the war. President Jacques Chirac ordered the pension adjustment after he saw the film in a private screening. According to his spokesman, Mr. Chirac told his cabinet that the decision was “ an act of justice.” More than 250,000 troops from France’ s colonies fought on the side of the Allies. The measure, which will go into effect next year, will affect about 80,000 veterans or widows from more than 20 countries and cost $140 million a year....

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