To all Frenchmen
France has lost a battle !
But France has not lost the war ! (La France a perdu une bataille! Mais la France n’a pas perdu la guerre!)
A makeshift government may have capitulated, giving way to panic, forgetting honour, delivering their country into bondage. Yet nothing is lost !
Nothing is lost, because this war is a world war. In the free universe, immense forces have not yet swung into operation. Some day these forces will crush the enemy. On that day, France must be present at the victory. She will then regain her liberty and her greatness. Such is my goal, my only goal !
That is why I urge all Frenchmen, wherever they may be, to unite with me in action, in sacrifice and in hope.
Our country is in mortal danger.
Let us all fight to save her.
Long live France !
General de Gaulle
Headquarters,
4, Carlton Gardens,
London, S.W.1.
Source:
Foundation and Institute Charles de Gaulle
See also: The Appeal of 18th June – Charles de Gaulle
Franco-German Armistice : June 25, 1940
The French Capitulation – June 25, 1940, archive movies
