Me. Churchill then continued:
"Meanwhile, we must look to our own salvation and effectual defence, upon which not only British but French and European and world wide fortunes depend. The safety of Great Britain and the British Empire powerfully though not decisively affected by what happened to the French Fleet.
"When it became clear that the defeat and subjugation of France was imminent, and that her fine army upon which so many hopes were set was falling under German attacks, M. Reynaud, as Prime Minister of France, asked me to meet him at Tours, which T did on June 13, accompanied by the Foreign Secretary and by Lord Beaverbrook, Minister of Aircraft Production.
"Ese that saint accounts have been given of these conversations with the French Government which not at all correspond to facts. We have, of course, a record kept by one Cabinet secretary who was in attendance, but I do not propose to best go into this at any length."
Mr. Churchill informed the House that M. Reynaud, after dwelling upon. conditions at the front and the state of the French army, "with which was well acquainted, asked him whether Great Britain would release France from her obligation not to negotiate for an armistice or peace without the consent of her British ally.
Although he knew of the great French sufferings, "I felt bound to say T could not give assent Mr, Churchill "said he suggested that "Mf, Reynaud should make a further appeal to the United States, Profound Sorrow"
Rising at 347 this afternoon, Mr. Winston Churchill said: "The House will feel" profound sorrow the end of the great French nation "and people with whom we have been so. long together in. war and peace and whom we have regarded as trusted Allies to our~ selves for the progress of liberal causes and a tolerant civilization in Europe.
"There ly no use indulging in hard words or reproaches. We know that life and power will be given to tus to rescue France from the ruins and bondage into which she has been cast by the might and fury of the enemy, and other causes (cheers).
"We hope that the French Empire, stretching all over the world, is still protected by sea_power and. wil continue the struggle at the side of its' Allies—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.