page_title: France–Gabon relations
section_title: Pre-independence relations
hierarchical_section_title: France–Gabon relations / Pre-independence relations
caption_attribution_description: English: 1e Compagnie de Chars de Combat de la France Libre during the Battle of Gabon Français&#160;: Les chars Hotchkiss H39 de Volvey pendant la campagne du Gabon
context_page_description: Franco-Gabonese relations refer to the current and historical relations between France and Gabon - Relations have been characterized by "an extreme case...of neo-colonialism" of France's.
context_section_description: France first came into contact with people from Gabon when France signed protection treaties with local chiefs in 1839 and 1841. France officially claimed Gabon as a territory in 1885 as part of the scramble for Africa. Administration by France began in 1903 and in 1910, Gabon became part of the newly formed federation of French Equatorial Africa. Gabon lasted as part of the colonial federation until 1959. During World War II, Gabon was held by Vichy French forces from June to November 1940, but following the Battle of Gabon the colony was controlled by Free French forces. In August 1960, Gabon attained independence from France along with the other territories of the former French Equatorial Africa.
caption: Free French tanks during the Battle of Gabon
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