740.0011 European War 1930/4242: Telegram
The Deputy Ambassador in France (Biddle) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 28—4:24 a.m.]
87. The Anglophobia feeling of which I have told you was developing (my telegrams 57, June 21, 6 p.m., and 80, June 23, 2 p.m.17) received, of course, great impetus from the British broadcast announcement last night of their nonrecognition of the “enslaved” Bordeaux government. Anger at France’s recent ally is flaming here today in all informed circles aware of the B. B. C.18 broadcast (while the local [Page 267] press publishes Marshal Pétain’s “reply” to Churchill’s radio address no reference is permitted to the severance of relations and the encouragement given the National Committee19). Laval, who has just been made Vice President of the Council of Ministers, whom I saw this morning at his request, could not restrain his indignation against the Churchill Government. Such French Army and Navy officers who are still left in Bordeaux seem equally angry. Even the Bank of France officials are shaken from their usual calm and objective approach by the Churchill move.
Reynaud told me this afternoon that at Marshal Pétain’s request he had talked to Churchill on the telephone yesterday afternoon to protest against the radio address in the strongest terms. He had given Churchill however renewed pledges which he first obtained from Darlan and Pétain that the French fleet would not fall into German hands. The fact that this appeal for moderation was in effect answered by last night’s announcement of recognition of General de Gaulle’s National Committee as the only sovereign authority of France seems eloquent proof of the value that the British at least attach to the solemn promises. As I indicated in my telegram number 73a, June 22, 7 p.m.,20 it is difficult to believe that the French Government is sufficiently trusting really to think that if the fleet or the greater portion thereof returns as stipulated in the armistice to French ports (under German occupation for dismantling) it will not remain intact for such use as Germany may see fit.