Hugues Le Gallais is one of the great absentees in recent works on Luxembourg history. Born
into the Luxembourg bourgeoisie he began his career as a representative of Arbed abroad and
then entered the diplomatic service. From 1940 to 1958 he represented Luxembourg's interests
in Washington a diplomatic post of key importance for Luxembourg especially during the Second
World War. During the four years in which the Grand Duchy was occupied by the German invaders
he pleaded its cause with verve and skill and worked successfully to bring Grand Duchess
Charlotte and her ministers to America. His mission there could be summarized in the phrase put
Luxembourg on the map.? Using largely unpublished sources Paul Schmit retraces in detail the
life of this colorful figure.
