Practically no details of fighting received from French. British
division[s] on left of the line are being very hard pressed. Broad
picture in the Prime Minister's [2] words: 'French bearing up but
weight heavy', and from Spears, the Prime Minister's
representative in Paris: 'French fighting much better'. My own
impression is that the line too long and too thinly held and that
German pressure so great will be forced back either slowly taking
heavy toll or rapidly if serious break through at any point. If
the Germans reach Paris I have grave apprehensions of French
collapse but the Prime Minister hopes that even in such an event
the French will continue to resist.

Dropping of Daladier [3] has been expected for some days as
apparently nerve gone under strain and constituted an element of
weakness. He may however be a certain danger outside the Cabinet.

Italy. No development. First ships (my telegram No. 376) [4] have
been stopped.

BRUCE