CHURCHILL APPEALS TO FRENCHMEN: 'FIGHT ON'

The French plenipotentiaries signed an armistice with Germany at 5.30 last night at Compiegne, France, where the 1918 armistice was signed.

"The Armistice will not take effect until six hours after a separate French-Italian agreement has been reached," stated a Berlin broadcast, which added that the French plenipotentiaries were expected to arrive at the appointed meeting place in Italy to-day.

No information about the terms of the armistice were known last night.

This picture shows the devastating effect a German bomb had on a house in Suffolk, England. In which three people were killed. A.R.P. workers are searching the wreckage

"AGAINST THEIR ALLY"

"The British Government have heard with grief and amazement that the terms dictated by the Germans have been accepted by the French Government at Bordeaux," says a statement issued to-day by Mr. Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister.

"They cannot feel that such or similar terms could have been submitted to by any French Government which possessed freedom, independence, and constitutional authority.

"Such terms, if accepted by all Frenchmen, would place not only France but the French Empire entirely at the mercy and in the power of the German and Italian dictators.

"Not only would the French people be held down and forced to work against their Allies, not only would the soil of France be used with the approval of the Bordeaux Government as a means of attacking their Allies, but the whole resources of the French Empire and of the French Navy would speedily pass into the hands of the adversary for the fulfillment of his purpose.

"His Majesty's Government believe that whatever happens they will be able to carry the war wherever it may lead, on the seas, in the air, and upon land to a successful conclusion.

When Great Britain is victorious she will, in spite of the action of the Bordeaux Government, cherish the cause of the French people, and a British victory is the only possible hope for the restoration of the greatness of France and the freedom of its people. Brave men from other countries overrun by Nazi invasion are steadfastly fighting in the ranks of freedom.

"His Majesty's Government call upon all Frenchmen outside the power of the enemy to aid them in their task and thereby render its accomplishment more sure and more swift.

"They appeal to all Frenchmen, wherever they may be, to aid to the utmost of their strength the forces of liberation, which are enormous and which, faithfully and resolutely used, will assuredly prevail."

According to reliable reports from Bordeaux, where the French Cabinet is sitting in permanent session reviewing Hitler's peace terms, most of yesterday was spent in discussing the question whether the French Government should withdraw to Northern Africa to enable French Air Force and the Fleet to continue resistance.

A powerful section of the French Government is understood to be opposed to complete surrender.

According to the French radio last night Petain has made counter-proposals to Germany.

General de Gaulle, M. Reynaud's Military Advisor, broadcasting in French in the B.B.C. European news bulletin last night, appealed to all Frenchmen to rally to the British and fight on - whatever the decision of the Petain Government, "which has no right to surrender." (his speech next page.)

Reports have been received in London from all parts of the French Empire making it clear that feeling in French colonies is strongly in favor of continuing the war. Various Governors-General and commanders of troops have indicated that they are prepared to continue to fight side by side with the British Empire.

"AS SOLDIER TO SOLDIER"

Berlin radio last night broadcast a recording of the proceedings in the railway carriage in Compiegne:

"General Huntziger, who signed for France, speaking in a slow, hesitant, but firm voice, said:

"The French Government has agreed to the terms of the armistice, but before signing the document, I wish to say a few personal words.

" 'At the moment when the French delegation puts its signatures on this document, being forced to agree to conditions through military misfortune, the delegation wishes to point out that France has the right to expect from Germany a peace which would secure good-neighborly relations with her great neighbor.

" 'As soldier speaking to soldier, I hope that French soldiers will never have to regret that they laid down their arms for the peace to come.'

"General Keitel, the German Commander-in-Chief, in a brief statement said: 'I confirm the acceptance of the French Government in signing this armistice agreement. As a soldier I have little to say except that the victor knows how to honor a courageous, defeated foe.'

"After the signature of the armistice, General Keitel asked the French and German delegates to rise, and then said, 'At this moment it is our duty to remember those brave soldiers of our countries who have spilled their blood on the battlefields. We have risen to honor their memory.' "

As reported by the Sunday Dispatch