Latest reports show that all organized French resistance breaking
down and although no definite information available my own view is
that there is now little chance of France continuing the struggle
and an armistice will be asked for within 24 to 48 hours. This
possibility involves the problems of evacuating British forces
removal of vital material destruction of supplies and French
industrial capacity all of which are being dealt with as
effectively as time permits. Action is also being taken to
endeavour to prevent the French fleet falling into German hands.

Darlan [2] is sound and prepared to co-operate. Danger is that the
French Government might order the fleet to return to French ports
and some units might obey.

To obviate this every effort is being made to get ships into
British or British-controlled ports e.g. Eastern Mediterranean,
Alexandria, where they could be detained.

Impossible to speculate on the developments of the next day or
two. Can only advise you of events as they arise.

Roosevelt impressed by the Prime Minister's report of meeting with
French at Tours on Thursday. [3] Has again shown his anxiety re
navy by statement 'surely we appreciate the necessity of
preserving the British and French fleets.' The Prime Minister has
sent Roosevelt this afternoon a strong message of which I have not
seen text including statement that only action now can be
decisive.

Owing to critical position have cancelled arrangements to meet
U.S. 3 and remaining London.

BRUCE