Franklin D. Roosevelt to Paul Reynaud (June, 1940)

by Franklin D. Roosevelt

For Reynaud

I was ^personally particularly impressed by your declaration that France will continue the fight on behalf of democracy even if it means slow withdrawal even to North Africa and the Atlantic. It is most important to remember that the French and British fleets continue mastery of the Atlantic and other oceans. Also to remember that vital materials from the outside world are necessary to maintain all armies.

I was also greatly heartened by what P.M. Churchill said a few days ago about the resistance continued resistance of the British Empire and this determination would seem to apply equally to the great French Empire all over the world. Naval power in world affairs still carries the lessons of history, as Admiral Darlan well knows.