Paul Stehlin

Paul Marie Victor Stehlin (11 August 1907 – 22 June 1975) was a French general and politician.

Military career

Born in Hochfelden, Bas-Rhin, Stehlin spoke fluent German. He graduated from the French military academy in 1928. He also wrote a book criticising the French nuclear capability.

He became Vice President of Europe for Hughes Aircraft (1964), Vice President of Bugatti (1965) and Chairman and CEO of Algeco (1968).

In 1968, he was elected to the National Assembly for Paris's 21st constituency, representing Progress and Modern Democracy. He was reelected in 1973 for the Social Democratic Reformers.

In 1974 he published a memorandum to the French president, advocating American fighter jets over French. This caused a scandal and was debated in the national assembly. On 6 June 1975, a United States Senate subcommittee revealed that Northrop Corporation had made "dubious" payments to European parliamentarians and former high-ranking officers, including Paul Stehlin, who had been paid as a "consultant" since 1964. The same day, Stehlin was knocked down by a bus in Paris. He died of his injuries on 22 June 1975.

Personal life

He married Anne-Marie Schwob in 1951. They had one son, Marc.

Honours Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor War Cross 1939–1945 Medal of Aeronautics Commander of the Order of Alaouite Ouissam

Books Testimony for History, Robert Laffont, 1964 Back to Zero, Robert Laffont, 1968 The Force of Illusion, Robert Laffont, 1973 France Disarmed, Calmann Levy, 1974