In the first speech over the BBC in London, General de Gaulle appealed to the French on June 18, 1940, while the Pétain government was negotiating with Germany, whose troops were occupying France. His message was broadcast at 10 p.m. on Ausgestrohlt and re-released at 4 p.m. the next day. Briefly listened to, the publication is taken up in the still free newspapers of southern France and then distributed in the streets of London, so the speech became a symbol of resistance. The speech of June 18, 1940 war recorded on June 22, the same Franco-German Armistice Day, the text has changed several times. The original appeal has a less bellicose tone, as some English leaders originally forbade de Gaulle to stigmatize Pétain. De Gaulle is recognized as leader of the Free French by Winston Churchill on June 28. To all French people. France has lost a battle ! But France did not lose the war! The government forces could capitulate, surrender to panic, forget their honor and deliver the country to servitude. Nevertheless, nothing is lost! Nothing is lost because this war is a world war. The mighty forces of the free universe have not yet given up. One day these forces will crush the enemy. And then, on that day, France must be present at the victory. Then it will regain its freedom and its greatness. That is my goal, my only goal! That is why I call on all French people, wherever they are, to join me in the struggle, in the spirit of sacrifice, in confidence. Our country is in mortal danger. Let us fight together to save it. Long live France!
