The Appeal of June 18 :
"The leaders who, for many years,
were at the
head of French armies, have formed a government. This government,
alleging our armies to be undone, agreed with the enemy to stop
fighting. Of course, we were subdued by the mechanical, ground and air
forces of the enemy. Infinitely more than their number, it was the
tanks, the airplanes, the tactics of the Germans which made us retreat.
It was the tanks, the airplanes, the tactics of the Germans that
surprised our leaders to the point to bring them there where they are
today.
"But has the last word been said? Must hope disappear? Is defeat final?
No!
"Believe me, I speak to you with full knowledge of the facts and tell
you that nothing is lost for France. The same means that overcame us
can bring us to a day of victory. For France is not alone! She is not
alone! She is not alone! She has a vast Empire behind her. She can
align with the British Empire that holds the sea and continues the
fight. She can, like England, use without limit the immense industry of
United States.
"This war is not limited to the unfortunate territory of our country.
This war is not finished by the battle of France. This war is a
world-wide war. All the faults, all the delays, all the suffering, do
not prevent there to be, in the world, all the necessary means to one
day crush our enemies. Vanquished today by mechanical force, we will be
able to overcome in the future by a superior mechanical force.
"The destiny of the world is here. I, General de Gaulle, currently in
London, invite the officers and the French soldiers who are located in
British territory or who would come there, with their weapons or
without their weapons, I invite the engineers and the special workers
of armament industries who are located in British territory or who
would come there, to put themselves in contact with me.
"Whatever happens, the flame of the French resistance must not be
extinguished and will not be extinguished. Tomorrow, as today, I will
speak on Radio London"