It took a quarter of an hour for Churchill's confidential secretary to explain to the Prime Minister who De Gaulle was and what he meant.

It has to be said that when Churchill listened to de Gaulle's introduction, he admired the ambition of this little French major general for a while.

An ordinary major general, which can be said to be nothing special among the many generals in France.

But such an ordinary little man who can no longer be ordinary has the ambition to form a new French government!

"What you think, I see." Facing de Gaulle, who was standing squarely in front of him, Churchill sat down in his chair across a desk and said slowly: "Why, then, do you make me believe that you can successfully form a new government?" ”

Churchill's words are very straightforward, after all, the other party is just a mere major general, let alone a major general of a defeated country, even among the officers and men of the three armed forces of the Commonwealth countries, there are hundreds of people of the rank of major general.

If every major general had to be listened to carefully, Churchill would not have enough ears even if he had two heads.

"I have to say, wear, wear....... Sorry, I can't remember your name. Churchill, who had just finished processing a large number of papers, was at a loss to remember the name de Gaulle, which he had only heard a few times.

Of course, this also shows that Churchill did not attach importance to the self-volunteering de Gaulle.

"De Gaulle," Major General de Gaulle on the side did not show half embarrassment, but said with a serious expressionless face: "My name is De Gaulle, respected Mr. Prime Minister." ”

De Gaulle's reaction was not bad, and he did not show discouragement because the other party did not value him. This made Churchill suddenly have a good impression of him, or a little recognition.

After all, Churchill was also a positive and stubborn character who was not easily discouraged.

"Oh, yes, Major General de Gaulle." Churchill nodded, and looked at the calm French minor major general in front of him with interest: "You tell me that you want to re-establish a new French government." However, you are only a small major general, how can I convince you that you have such abilities? ”

Churchill's fears were justified, and although he had a personal liking for de Gaulle's tenacious character and ambition, he did not feel that de Gaulle's prestige could take on the task of establishing a new French government.

To put it bluntly, it was Churchill who was worried that the French would not buy de Gaulle's account.

In fact, in Churchill's mind, there were many people better suited than de Gaulle to lead an anti-Allied French government.

For example, Marshal Petain, who led France to victory in World War I and was trusted and respected by the vast majority of French people.

Unfortunately, Petain chose to form a pro-German government and lead France into the German camp.

This also cut off the possibility of Churchill co-opting Petain, after all, someone else had already made a clear choice.

Another candidate in Churchill's mind is the new generation of French famous general Berente, who recently shined brightly, led the French army to win more with less, defeated 32 Italian divisions with 5 divisions, and became famous in a battle.

It is also a pity that the Marshal Pétain, who surrendered to Germany, also saw the great prestige of Bérante, and with lightning speed, sent Bernté to Algeria as the governor of the colony, leading the last force that France could control.

Nominally, Berente's colonial army was loyal to the Vichy French government formed by Petain, which amounted to submission to Germany.

In reality, however, Birente's forces were not controlled by Germany at all, and were in a state of autonomy, and his governor-general, Bironte, had de facto independent command.

In other words, it was a legacy of Petain's legacy for the revival of France, and an important bargaining chip that France could use to put on the international negotiating table in the future.

Because it was nominally not opposed to Germany, and because Germany had just defeated the French army and was anxious to absorb the industrial power of the French occupation zone, it had no time to look south for a while, so Birente's army could sit in Africa, calmly watch the situation in Europe, and wait for favorable opportunities in the future.

To win over such a force, which had already formed a certain strength and had no urgent need, to bring it into the British camp against Germany, Churchill knew with his ass that it would never be too easy.

As if seeing through Churchill's psychological activities, de Gaulle was unhurried at this time, but said very strongly: "Dear Mr. Prime Minister, in fact, you don't need to believe in my ability. The point is, you don't have any other choice, so trust me! ”

It seems that de Gaulle was not an idiot with empty ambitions, at least, he had enough brains and insight to solve Churchill's current predicament in one word.

Yes, Churchill has no choice at all!

A better option was either chosen in advance by Reinhardt or secretly saved by the French themselves. The only spokesman for the anti-German government who was really sent to him was Charles de Gaulle.

"Oh? You can see it very clearly. In a few words, Churchill not only felt de Gaulle's ability, but also felt the unruly temperament of this man.

Now, Churchill understood that De Gaulle might really have some ability, and that he might be up to the task of forming an anti-German French government.

But at the same time, he also understood that this person was not easily controlled by the British Empire, and that the government he formed and the British Empire would never be as obedient as the Pétain government was to Germany.

Anyway, it's just taking advantage of each other. Churchill was confident that his political tactics were much more sophisticated than that of Charles de Gaulle, a half-politician with a military background.

With this in mind, Churchill did not propose a cooperation with de Gaulle.

"Since you and I both understand the needs of both sides, then I won't spare the bend." Churchill raised the corners of his mouth and said with a slight smile: "I will prepare the venue, manpower, and limited financial support for you, and you can also make some reasonable requests." ”

"Just .......," Churchill paused.

"It's just that the new French government I have established must take a firm anti-German stance and continue to maintain a deep alliance with Britain." De Gaulle continued the half-cut words left by Churchill in one breath.

After listening, Churchill nodded with satisfaction. Communicating with smart people is just comfortable!

"That's right!" After reaching a consensus, Churchill immediately asked de Gaulle with a casual expression and deliberately very casually: "Can you help me contact Admiral Darlan on the Algerian side of Africa?" I would like to send him a telegram asking him to lead the navy to remain neutral. ”

"After all, the English Channel is the security of our British and French governments. The navy left behind by France must not join forces with the German army. Churchill said inductively.

Hearing that the other party had already called his future government the French government, De Gaulle, who was secretly refreshed in his heart, relaxed his inner guard for a while: "No problem, I'll be responsible for helping to contact." ”

If De Gaulle had observed carefully at this moment, it would not be difficult to find that Churchill had a little emptiness in his eyes. After all, Churchill's telegram can be said to be completely ill-intentioned, even vicious.