|
CHARLES DE GAULLE AT BBC'S MIC -
1940
The Flame of French Resistance
Go here for more about
Charles de Gaulle.
Go here for more about
de Gaulle's The Flame of French
Resistance speech.
It follows the English
translation of the full text transcript of
Charles de Gaulle's The Flame of French
Resistance speech, delivered at London, UK - June 18, 1940.
Go here for the
French version of this speech.
 |
The leaders who,
for many years past, have been at the head of
the French armed forces have set up a
government. |
Alleging the
defeat of our armies, this government has
entered into negotiations with the enemy with a
view to bringing about a cessation of
hostilities.
It is quite true that we were, and still are,
overwhelmed by enemy mechanized forces, both on
the ground and in the air. It was the tanks, the
planes, and the tactics of the Germans, far more
than the fact that we were outnumbered, that
forced our armies to retreat. It was the German
tanks, planes, and tactics that provided the
element of surprise which brought our leaders to
their present plight.
But has the last word been said? Must we abandon
all hope? Is our defeat final and irremediable?
To those questions
I answer - No!
Speaking in full knowledge of the facts, I ask
you to believe me when I say that the cause of
France is not lost. The very factors that
brought about our defeat may one day lead us to
victory.
For, remember this, France does not stand alone.
She is not isolated. Behind her is a vast
empire, and she can make common cause with the
British empire, which commands the seas and is
continuing the struggle. Like England, she can
draw unreservedly on the immense industrial
resources of the United States.
This war is not limited to our unfortunate
country. The outcome of the struggle has not
been decided by the battle of France. This is a
world war. Mistakes have been made, there have
been delays and untold suffering, but the fact
remains that there still exists in the world
everything we need to crush our enemies some
day.
Today we are crushed by the sheer weight of
mechanized force hurled against us, but we can
still look to a future in which even greater
mechanized force will bring us victory.
The destiny of the
world is at stake.
I, General de Gaulle, now in London, call on all
French officers and men who are at present on
British soil, or may be in the future, with or
without their arms. I call on all engineers and
skilled workmen from the armaments factories who
are at present on British soil, or may be in the
future, to get in touch with me.
Whatever happens, the flame of French resistance
must not and shall not die.
Tomorrow I shall broadcast again from London.
More History
|
