Full information re terms in Dominion Office telegrams. [1]
Position appears to be Petain Cabinet completely demoralised and
some members probably double-crossing, in particular the Minister
for Foreign Affairs [2], and it can no longer be relied on in any
way. Darlan [3] possible exception and message has been sent to
him and also to United Kingdom Senior Naval Officers communicating
with opposite numbers. In view of developments [4] decided to hold
ships in British ports. All possible action now being taken to get
hold of others by 'force or persuasion'. Most important are battle
cruisers in Western Mediterranean and new battleships Richelieu
and Jean Bart.

Am most concerned with regard to the position in the Mediterranean
in the event of capitulation in the French colonies and the lack
of imagination being shown here in handling it. As efforts to
stimulate energetic action have failed, High Commissioners for
Canada [5], South Africa [6], and I, have now written formally
urging special missions with first-class personnel should be sent
immediately to Morocco, Algeria, Tunis, Syria, with full powers,
financial and otherwise, accompanied, if possible, by influential
Frenchmen, e.g. Mandel [7], to stimulate cooperation with local
authorities in carrying on resistance.

BRUCE