Chapter 120
< World War II - Belli dura despicio (3) >
July 11, 1940
Southern British Isles, Portsmouth - French Invasion Force Headquarters
As the battle in Gloucestershire entered a lull, British reinforcements dispatched by General Alan Brooke arrived as soon as the French Army established their front line.
It was a moment where de Gaulle's judgment shone, but de Gaulle, who had preserved the French Army's strength, was reading a telegram from his home country with a grave expression.
[Major General Charles de Gaulle
Regarding your request, this office and the headquarters have deliberated carefully, but we inform you that it has been rejected. The reasons for rejection are as follows.
One. Regarding your request not to declare war, as it would cause Germany to actively intervene, this office and the headquarters have concluded that a war with Germany is already unavoidable, and that it is rational to open hostilities while their main force is tied down before Italy surrenders.
Two. Your request not to invade the neutral country of Belgium and give them justification is reasonable, but realistically, a breakthrough of the Siegfried Line, which the German Army has continuously reinforced, will demand enormous sacrifices.