" French, I met, last Thursday, the chancellor of Reich. This meeting caused hopes and caused concerns. I owe you on this subject some explanations. Such an interview was not possible, four months after the defeat of our weapons, that thanks to the dignity of the French in front of the test [... ]. France was seized again. This first meeting enters the overcome winner and the mark the first rectification of our country. It is freely that I went to the invitation of Führer. I underwent, of his share, any diktat, no pressure. A collaboration was considered between our two countries. I accepted the principle of it. The methods will be discussed by it later on. All those which await the safety of France today, I make a point of saying that this safety is initially between our hands. All those which noble scruples would hold distant from our thought, I make a point of saying that the first duty of all the French is to have confidence [... ] It is in the honor and to maintain the unit French - a ten centuries unit - within the framework of a constructive activity of the new European command that I enter, today, in the way of collaboration. Thus, in a nearest future, could be reduced the weight of the sufferings of our country, improved the lot of our prisoners, attenuated the charge of the expenses of occupation. Thus could be softened the line of demarcation and facilities the administration and the supply of the territory. This collaboration must be sincere. It must exclusive of be very thought of aggression. It must comprise a patient and trustful effort. The armistice, moreover, is not peace. France is held by many obligations with respect to the winner. At least it remains sovereign. This sovereignty forces to him to defend its ground, to extinguish the divergences of the opinion, to reduce dissidences of its colonies. This policy is mine. The ministers are responsible only in front of me. It is me only whom the History will judge. held you up to now the language of a father. I hold you today the language of the head. Follow me. Keep confidence in eternal France." |
