CAB80-13 — Page 35

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DRAFT TELEGRAM TO ALL BRITISH ATTACHES. MISSIONS.

AND LIAISON OFFICERS IN FRENCH TERRITORY.

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In event of French collapse you should make every effort to prolong resistance of units of French forces even after capitulation of French Government; pointing out to them that British Empire proposes to continue the war and hopes to gain active support of America. This applies particularly to resistance of French Colonial forces. Our policy in event of such collapse is to prevent as far as possible French naval, military and air equipment from falling into enemy hands and to encourage any elements we can to join our own forces. Detailed measures are under consideration but general line to be taken is as follows. As regards Air Force, preparations should be made to enable us to remove or destroy French air resources and factories, and to induce French pilots and mechanics and even whole squadrons to come to British territory. As regards army, it is unlikely that we could evacuate complete French units but certain French individuals and technicians as well as some guns, ammunition and material might be brought to British territory. As regards navy, attempts might be made to persuade French ships to join our fleet or failing this to persuade French to sink whole of their fleet. It might be possible to remove or destroy valuable naval equipment in French bases to arrange for blocking of certain bases which might be used by enemy and to arrange for securing use of certain French Colonialbases, e.g. Casablanca and Dakar. It is proposed to offer all three French services inducement of British pay in return for service under British flag.

Above is general line you should take in dealing with French Commanders and units, if and when the situation arises.

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