Every effort has been made last 24 hours to prevent the French
fleet falling into German hands by urging it must be placed beyond
Government control before German terms received. While assurances
dishonouring terms would not be accepted (and surrender of the
fleet is such a term) have been repeated it has been impossible to
obtain any action. First Lord [2] and First Sea Lord [3] have gone
to Bordeaux.

Anglo-French Declaration now published [4] and French Government,
which would carry on in similar manner to Dutch, now appears a
possibility. Difficult to forecast how this would come about, but
might be [by] resignation of Petain Government on ground that
terms unacceptable, followed by Government pledge to carry on the
struggle, or by Government including Laval [5] and Flandin [6]
which would accept terms. In latter event, Government would be
repudiated under leadership of Herriot, President of the Chamber
of Deputies, and Jeanneney, the President of the Senate, who would
form a Government and carry on from somewhere outside France.

No definite information as to German attitude to the French
Government's request, but Press indicate likely to be very
drastic.

Spain. Latest reports far from reassuring and any appreciation of
the future conduct of the war must envisage a hostile Spain. In
separate cable I send certain questions to which I have asked for
an answer. [7]

BRUCE