Roosevelt and de Gaulle — 28 June

In late June 1940, Franklin D. Roosevelt must define American policy toward a shattered France. The Pétain government is settling in and enjoys Washington's diplomatic recognition, where Ambassador William Bullitt, soon to be replaced by Admiral Leahy, deals with it. At the same time, an unknown general, de Gaulle, issues appeals from London to continue the war.

Secretary of State Cordell Hull presents Roosevelt with the case of this 'General de Gaulle' without legal basis: a recently promoted officer, former under-secretary of a fallen government, whom the British press is beginning to call the 'Free French.' Churchill, for his part, is ready to recognise him.

Roosevelt must arbitrate between three lines: recognise de Gaulle as representative of fighting France, stick exclusively to Vichy, or play both sides. In Washington, opinion remains largely hostile to any commitment, and 1940 is an election year in which Roosevelt is seeking an unprecedented third term. His choice commits years of Franco-American relations and conditions France's place in the coalition to come.