Gamelin (May 1940)

General Maurice Gamelin

Supreme commander of French land forces

13th May 1940

Today I learnt about the German penetration in the Ardennes, I cannot deny that I am shocked as never did I anticipate such an invasion route. This is especially unfortunate as there was indeed parliamentary and staff concern over the poor defences over at the Ardennes. However, the damage has been done.

I had come up with the concept of the continuous front which would prevent a repeat of what happened in August-September 1914 when the Germans broke through to the outskirts of Paris. In addition, the Maginot line will be further constructed along the Franco-Swiss border. Four years ago, I had overseen preparations for French defence on Belgian soil.

Previously, I had anticipated for a war off French soil. This was particularly due to the bloodbath we had experienced on our soil during World War 1. I had a preference for war in the East... using Austrian territory for the war would have definitely spared our French people from the nightmare we had gone through in World War 1. That was then.

Two days ago, I had dispatched the best of my army through northern Belgium to Breda in Holland..whilst the Germans have come directly to French soil through the Ardennes. Not all of my best troops have been stationed there of course... I have maintained a significantly large force behind the Maginot line to fight a potential Italo-German invasion through Switzerland outflanking the line. All this has proved to be invalidated. 

There are several reasons for the failure in my planning.. a primary reason would have to be my absence from what was really going on. Another reason would be the division of decisions and actions made by me and General Alphonse Georges which may indeed have brought about much confusion.

What we face today is largely my mistake- but it does not mean that we should back down. Every soldier who might not be able to advance must let himself be killed on the spot rather than abandon the portion of national soil which has been confided to him. Today, we must conquer or die.