"Commander, we have received an unencrypted telegram!" In the Algerian port, Darlan had just led a fleet from the mainland to settle here. Before he could discuss future plans in detail with Algerian Governor Belante, Darlan received a telegram.
Telegram sent in the name of de Gaulle.
In fact, before today, Darlan did not even know whose name Charles de Gaulle belonged to.
When Darlan was appointed chief of staff of the French Navy and became the leader of the French navy, de Gaulle was still just a little-known army commander. It was very easy for de Gaulle to know Darlan's reputation, but it was very easy for him to know Darlan's reputation.
I heard about De Gaulle, but that is unrealistic.
Just like some star-chasers in later generations, he may know famous celebrities, and even learn about idol stars' life preferences, personality styles, and even height and weight through various channels.
However, other big stars don’t know every star-chasing fan.
The reason is simple, because most fans and celebrities are not on the same level. They may only know colleagues who are equally famous, or people who are about the same level of fame.
Therefore, a figure of de Gaulle's level has actually never been able to catch Darlan's eyes.
However, when Darlan received this telegram, he took it very seriously because at this moment, he already knew the identity of de Gaulle.
This is not because Darlan and de Gaulle had an intersection, or that they had been in contact.
Because this morning, as a practical man, General de Gaulle issued a "Message to the French People" on British Radio with the support of British Prime Minister Churchill the day after he fled France.
In his "Message to the French People", de Gaulle solemnly announced to the world that he would use the power of Britain to reorganize a new anti-German government. At the same time, he also asked all French officers and soldiers who wanted to resist Germany to contact him.
, join his new government.
Although de Gaulle's new government did not have many people's support, and not many countries were even willing to admit its rationality, de Gaulle still used this declaration to successfully ascend to the forefront of history and gain enough popularity, even as far away as Africa.
Darlan, all recognized the name de Gaulle.
"Let me see first what Mr. de Gaulle wants to talk to me about." Darlan waved his hand to the staff officer and motioned for the other party to hand over the telegram.
Unexpectedly, this telegram sent in the name of de Gaulle did not actually record what de Gaulle wanted to say to Darlan.
Spreading out the telegram, Darlan quickly understood the purpose and content of the telegram:
"Dear Commander Darlan, please allow me to introduce myself first.
I am the current British Prime Minister, Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill.
At this sad moment when your country's Vichy government gave up its resistance and surrendered to Germany. I sympathize very much with the French people and express my sincere understanding and tolerance for Marshal Pétain's choice.
After all, as France’s marshal, Mr. Pétain should ultimately put the interests of the French first.”
Darlan couldn't help but nodded after reading this. It seems that Churchill, the British Prime Minister, is quite reasonable.
Although France's surrender put a huge pressure on Britain's defense, British Prime Minister Churchill showed his understanding and support very generously, including Pétain's selfish decision to exploit France.
Yes, this is a selfish decision. Although it is really helpless, after all, this is a decision made unilaterally by France without consulting its British allies. From the perspective of its allies, France is
It failed to fulfill its obligations as an ally.
After feeling emotional for a while, Darlan then read the telegram:
"From an intellectual point of view, France's surrender dealt a huge blow to our country.
In order to help France drive away the Germans, we dispatched a full 200,000 of the best troops, and also boarded a large force of main battleships from the Royal Navy's Home Fleet.
The result was that Britain lost a large number of superior soldiers, countless main fighter planes, and main battleships on which it relied for survival. However, the allies we fought so hard to defend chose to surrender and surrender alone.
I have to say that this is a bad decision. This is true for France, and even more so for the United Kingdom.
Today, the warships that the British Empire was supposed to use to guard the English Channel have suffered heavy losses in the Battle of France. Once the Germans choose to land at this moment, the safety of the British Isles will surely be plunged into uncertainty.
I can only implore General Darlan to consider the friendship between the two former allies and the interests of France not to hand over the fleet to the Germans. For the sake of the glory and freedom of the French navy, ensure your neutrality.
General Darlan has always won the trust of officers and soldiers at all levels of the French Navy and will definitely be able to maintain the independence and neutrality of the French fleet.
I never doubt this!
Today, I, Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, pledge my reputation to guarantee that the British Navy will never actively antagonize the French Navy within 20 years.
As long as the French navy remains neutral, it will always be a friend and like-minded fighter of the British Empire.
In any case, I assure you once again that the Royal Navy of the British Empire will always regard the French Navy as a friend, not an enemy. The muzzles of British warships will never take the initiative to aim at your French fleet.
May the French navy remain neutral forever and maintain its reputation.
The friendship between our two countries will last forever and will always be maintained.
——Friends from the French people,
Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill.”
Churchill's letter deeply touched Darlan's heart.
He did not expect that the British Prime Minister would be so reasonable, considerate, open-minded and wise.
Although, even without Churchill's letter, Darlan would have ordered his fleet to adhere to neutrality and deal with several major powers. He would not join any party until the situation was finally settled.
However, Darlan was sincerely moved by Churchill's assurance to him.
After passing the telegram to his subordinates for circulation, Darlan said with some excitement: "I have always hated the country of Britain. I have always hated Britain, even more than I hate Germany. Until today, I still regarded them as selfish.
I look at them as profiteers, and I can’t stand their behavior over the years at all.”
Darlan's voice was trembling. Because of his excitement, he trembled slightly and shouted loudly:
"But today! I just realized that I was wrong!
I misjudged Britain and misunderstood a great nation!
We will remember the tolerance and understanding the British gave us today!
We French people have always had a clear distinction between grudges and grudges.
Today, I, Darlan, hereby promise that once the war ends, no matter whether it is the British or the Germans who win in the end, the French navy and the soldiers under my command, Darlan, will definitely remember that Britain
Give us grace and understanding today!
June 8, 1940, this is a day that our French Navy must remember!
From now on, we must hold commemorative activities on June 8 every year..."
At this moment, Darlan and every officer and soldier under his command were grateful to Britain from the bottom of their hearts.
