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Paul Reynaud
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(07)
1940
March
21
Paul Reynaud becomes Prime Minister of France
On 20 March 1940 Daladier resigned after a secret debate on Finland. On 21 March Paul Reynaud formed a government; next day the Chamber backed him by one vote.
28
The Anglo-French pledge against a separate peace
On 28 March 1940 Britain and France pledged not to make a separate armistice or peace with Germany. The Council also decided to mine Norwegian waters.
May
16
Churchill in Paris
On 16 May 1940 Churchill flew to Paris. Gamelin admitted he had no reserve, archives burned at the Foreign Ministry and London agreed to send more fighters.
18
Weygand replaces Gamelin
On 18 May 1940 Reynaud reshuffled his government and made Pétain deputy prime minister; on 19 May he dismissed Gamelin. The 73-year-old Weygand took command.
28
Belgium capitulates
At 4 a.m. on 28 May 1940 the Belgian Army laid down its arms. Leopold III, defying his government, stayed as a prisoner; his ministers fought on from France.
June
10
The French government leaves Paris
On 10 June 1940 the French government left Paris for châteaux along the Loire. After talks with Churchill at Briare and Tours it reached Bordeaux on 14 June.
16
Key event
Pétain becomes Prime Minister of France
On 16 June 1940 at Bordeaux Reynaud resigned and President Lebrun entrusted the government to Marshal Pétain. That night France asked for an armistice.