Today's developments have been dramatic. Following receipt of
information as to attitude French Government given in Z.114 [2]
decision referred to in that cable taken. Before decision conveyed
to French Government de Gaulle [3] arrived from France and with
French Ambassador [4] saw the Prime Minister [5] and both urged
United Kingdom should refuse to agree to an armistice being
sought. De Gaulle urged that if some dramatic action could be
taken which would appeal to the French nation it would prevent the
Government from pursuing the idea of armistice and would ensure
transference large forces and equipment to Africa, the retention
of French Fleet and continuance of the struggle in the Colonies.

As a result of these representations a document was drawn up,
which, after modification by War Cabinet, took form cabled to you
in Z.116. [6] This document was drafted by de Gaulle, Monnet [7],
another Frenchman and two senior British civil servants whose
names I do not yet know. De Gaulle came representing Reynaud [8]
to whom text has been communicated. The Prime Minister and Halifax
[9] meeting Reynaud late tonight or early tomorrow morning, when
decision will have to be taken as French on brink of collapse.

Whole object of dramatic course contemplated is to keep the French
in war and prevent them coming to terms with Germany. The more I
have examined the position with the French the more I am convinced
how imperative this is. I suggest your examination of declaration
should be in the light of transcending necessity.

With regard to the declaration, the paramount question is whether
Union is contemplated to be permanent or for duration of war. The
original document made it clear the intention was permanency. As
modified it is possibly open to either interpretation. If it is to
achieve its object of keeping France in the war I am certain, as a
result of discussions with Reynaud, it will have to be made clear
that it means something more than the period of war.

The innumerable difficulties and complexities in giving effect to
declaration save as a pure war measure I need not elaborate. On
one, the position of the King, I understand the French are
prepared to accept him as the Head of the State.

With regard to the Dominions, my first reaction is-I only saw
document two hours ago-that provided position of King is
safeguarded and as citizenship of Frenchmen is limited to that of
United Kingdom, we, notwithstanding our great interest and concern
in everything affecting Great Britain, can hardly, in face of
deadly and imminent peril with which she is now faced, object to
United Kingdom Government pursuing a course which they believe
vital. What reactions of Parliament and people here will be is
difficult to estimate. I think Parliament is sufficiently alive to
the dangers of position and would endorse Government's action: of
attitude of general public I am not so sure.

BRUCE