The radio crackled with static as the announcer's voice announced the latest news from Berlin. Adolf Hitler had made a surprising offer to France, offering a stable peace that would return to the French nation most of its occupied territories, with the exception of Alsace and Lorraine.
In Paris, the news fell like a bomb. Philippe Pétain's government met urgently to discuss the Führer's offer. In a dark room, illuminated only by the weak light of a desk lamp, Charles de Gaulle listened attentively to his advisors.
"Do you think we can trust Hitler?" de Gaulle asked in a deep voice.
"It's hard to say, General," responded one of his advisors. "But a white peace would give us time to reorganize and prepare for any eventuality."
De Gaulle reflected for a moment, thinking about the human cost of continuing to fight the Germans. Finally, he nodded his head. "Okay. We will accept the peace offer, but under certain conditions."
In Berlin, Hitler received France's response with satisfaction. Peace with France would secure his western flank and allow him to concentrate on his next target: the Soviet Union.
Meanwhile, in London, Winston Churchill was faced with a difficult decision. With France out of the war, Britain would be alone in its fight against Germany. However, Churchill was reluctant to accept any agreement with Hitler that might involve leaving the Nazi-occupied countries to his fate.