Prime Minister's [1] report unhappily shows that Pessimistic views
expressed in my telegram No. 411 [2] not exaggerated. Dominions
Office cabling summary [3] but in view of importance desirable
that I amplify with my impressions. They are-Weygand [4] very
tired; considers present position last on which he can resist. His
65 divisions have been faced by 120 German divisions-has no more
reserves-men have been continuously fighting for seven days-if now
driven back he could no longer undertake to conduct a resistance
on organised lines-would serve under any one else but he no longer
could undertake the supreme command.

Prime Minister stated nothing could exceed Weygand's pessimism,
who indicated he could not see the end being held off for more
than two or three days and was inclined to blame politicians who
had entered on war lightly. His attitude also was that Paris
should be declared an open town and not defended. In this probably
right as retirement south of Paris offers best hope of extracting
French armies from encirclement by pincer operations (my telegram
No. 411).

De Gaulle [5] apparently determined and in favour of maintaining
resistance even to point of guerilla warfare. Further effective
resistance difficult to visualise if the Seine-Marne line gone as
any other line from the sea to Maginot longer and any shorter line
would leave flank exposed.

Possible line might be Mediterranean to Atlantic but difficult to
contemplate French offering stout resistance in such
circumstances.

With regard to possibility effective guerilla warfare, cannot
express opinion, but having regard to limited size France and
mobility of air and mechanised forces effectiveness appears
doubtful. If, however, Germans could be seriously harassed for
even two or three months effect might be incalculable.

The Prime Minister's summing up of the position was 'Effective
resistance of France as great military Power over'.

He, however, strongly shares De Gaulle's views as to continuing
resistance. Doubt is if politicians will stand firm.

Reynaud [6] resolute and determined to go on.

Petain [7] prepared for peace almost to point of any terms on the
grounds that resistance hopeless and France being sacrificed for
nothing.

Petain's reputation so great, notwithstanding his age and fact
that last war he was defeatist, that doubtful if Reynaud will be
able to maintain his position with politicians such as Laval [8]
and Daladier [9] using Petain against him.

Our policy obviously must be to endeavour to stiffen French to
continue resistance and if this fails to try and create similar
position to Holland-Government leaving the country and laying down
of arms and continuance of the struggle with French fleet and in
the Colonies.

I am, however, doubtful of success in either and fear that a new
French Government will come to terms with Germany.

Darlan, Naval Commander in Chief, has declared that nothing will
induce him to give up ships. How far this would be practicable in
face of all relatives of personnel being in France under
domination of Germany I find difficulty in visualising.

The point in the event of France capitulating is to find means
whereby French fleet will be prevented from falling into German
hands.

The Prime Minister is cabling Roosevelt fully and frankly views
French position.

A French collapse will create all the problems I have suggested in
my recent cables.

I am doing everything in my power to make United Kingdom
Government face them and immediately consult Dominions.

BRUCE