While in Paris in 1940 after fleeing Vienna, my father obtained a formal membership certificate from the so-called Legion Etrangere Civile.
I think the document is a fake or forgery, perhaps used to avoid a French internment camp. I can find no information about such a "civil" organization, either as a separate entity or as part of the French Foreign Legion. Any information would be much appreciated. Thank you. Paul Gottlieb. New York City.

Hi from Paris,
Dear Paul,
I have checked with Google to be sure (even if you surely did it), and there is no link to "Legion Etrangère Civile".
My GF was enrolled in Legion Etrangere, as a lot of Bundist from Paris : I have some of their military papers.
If you wish, send me by private mail or by Viewmate your document for a more accurate answer.
Khavershaft
Bernard Flam
Archives & history of Medem Center - Arbeter Ring (French Bund -Workmen Circle)

Paul,

Did you search this database :
https://www.memoiredeshommes.sga.defense.gouv.fr/fr/arkotheque/client/mdh/engages_volontaires_etrangers/resus_rech.php

There are many entries. You may find your father. I hope you will. 

GOTTLIEB Albert 24-12-1894AllemagneGOTTLIEBAlbert 24-12-1894AllemagneGOTTLIEBAndré 17-04-1918 HongrieGOTTLIEBAndré27-04-1918 HongrieGOTTLIEBIsidore09-06-1918Autriche GOTTLIEBJoseph07-05-1915Hongrie GOTTLIEBJoseph07-05-1915Hongrie GOTTLIEBJoseph17-04-1919Hongrie GOTTLIEB Joseph17-08-1919Hongrie GOTTLIEB Marc26-02-1905GOTTLIEB Marc26-02-1905GOTTLIEB Sammuel10-08-1896Palestine

Did you search this database :
https://www.memoiredeshommes.sga.defense.gouv.fr/fr/arkotheque/client/mdh/engages_volontaires_etrangers/resus_rech.php

Thank you for your kind response. My father's name is not on the database you sent, even with different spellings.
I'm quite sure at this point that the "Legion Etrangere Civile" membership card that he had (which looks quite official with his name, address, profession and nationality) is bogus. But I am still curious if other refuges in Paris sought (or forged) such documentation in order to avoid internment or deportation.
Paul Gottlieb

Daniel,

My grandfather, Naftuli Miller, aka Antonin Muller, was forced to
"volunteer" to the French Foreign Legion during WWII as pre-condition to
his entry into the country with his Czechoslovakian passport. I was able
to obtain his military folder just by writing to the French Foreign
Legion, including his death certificate, my father's birth and marriage
records, and my birth record, proving I was his grandson.

I did now find two entries for my grandfather at
https://www.memoiredeshommes.sga.defense.gouv.fr/fr/arkotheque/client/mdh/engages_volontaires_etrangers/resus_rech.php

Would there be any records in France of his initial arrival. Our family
story is that right after he married in Nyirbator, Hungary, the Munich
Pact was signed. His brother was "deported" to his town of birth
(Zborov, Slovakia) and telegramed his brother not to return home. The
groom fled with his bride to some port city, in late 1938 or early 1939,
and got on a boat. As the story continues, they were refused entry in
several countries, until they came to France. As the French had a treaty
with Czechoslovakia, they allowed my grandparents entry.

What other types of records might I find for them in France, between
1938 and 1942? They lived in Paris initially, and later on, in Nice.

Stay safe,

Moishe Miller
Brooklyn, NY
moishe.miller@...
JGFF #3391
--

My grandfather, Naftuli Miller, aka Antonin Muller, was forced to
"volunteer" to the French Foreign Legion during WWII as pre-condition to
his entry into the country with his Czechoslovakian passport.
....
As the story continues, they were refused entry in
several countries, until they came to France. As the French had a treaty
with Czechoslovakia, they allowed my grandparents entry.

Dear Moishe,
Thank you for your informative response. When my father fled Vienna in mid-August 1938, he first went to Czech, and then to France. Notwithstanding his Austrian (not Third Reich) passport, he may have taken that route for the same reason you mentioned for your grandfather - ease of entry into France. As far as records are concerned, I have obtained nothing from the French authorities, but I have been very greatly aided by the many documents my father managed to save, including his original Austrian passport and my mother's French identity card. I have also received much from the Austrian authorities and educational institutions. By the way, my father also left Paris, but for Bordeaux, since after the war began in Sept. 1939, that was where the US had moved its visa office. Best of luck.
Paul Gottlieb