He started by admitting to von Altendorf that Germany had acted scrupulously in fulfilling its obligations in terms of the armistice. Indeed, he commended the Baron for relaxations of some of the terms, namely allowing the new French Army to grow to a quarter of a million men instead of the one hundred thousand limit originally imposed. This had been done to absorb some of the unemployed ex-prisoners of war repatriated from Germany. It had been of invaluable assistance to the French.
Von Altendorf allowed just a little bit of optimism to creep into his thoughts in the face of Darlan’s reasonableness. Perhaps now they could talk seriously.
Von Altendorf spoke. “We also turned a blind eye to the French navy not disarming as you are obliged to do in terms of the armistice.” A slight pause to let this sink in. “Furthermore your air force strength is twenty percent of what it was on 1 May, not fifteen percent as agreed.”
Before they tried to deny this, or even worse, blatantly confirm it in a show of defiance, he carried on. “However, provided we can make some progress towards a mutually acceptable peace arrangement, these infractions could be considered unimportant.” He thought he detected a very slight sign of relief on the part of Darlan.
“You are well aware of our support for the European Alliance. I will not beat about the bush. Germany would welcome a willing and enthusiastic independent France as a participant in this alliance.” There! The offer was on the table. Let them respond.
It was Petain who replied. “What exactly do you mean by ‘independent France’ , Baron?”
‘Good’, thought von Altendorf. ‘We are talking’. He answered, “Exactly what it says. France’s borders the same as they were at the beginning of this year before the war exploded, but perhaps expanded by the inclusion of the French speaking southern half of Belgium.” That surprised them! “And Germany forever renounces any claims to its former territory of Alsace-Lorraine.” Another surprise!
“You will be governed by whatever form of government you wish, subject only to two reasonable stipulations.”
“And they are?” Darlan asked.
“Firstly, no return to the incompetent governments that France has endured for the past twenty years or so. And secondly, no communists, either in government or even allowed as a political party.”
“Are you so afraid of communists? Just as Adolf Hitler was.”
“Things have changed dramatically in Germany. There is now freedom of expression, except for communists. And this is not just because they are labelled communists. It is because Moscow controls them for its own ends. Stalin has no more interest in the brotherhood of man than the man in the moon.
No doubt many people who think of themselves as communists are good people who believe in their principles. It is not these we are concerned with. It is the subversive element following Moscow’s directives that we will not tolerate.”
Petain and Darlan seemed to be considering this. They knew the truth about Russian manipulation of the naïve, unscrupulous, or simply power hungry members of the French communist party.
He carried on speaking. “As regards the first stipulation, it would not be in anybody’s interest for France to revert to the sort of politics you have experienced for many years now. A stable and prosperous France is needed.”
Von Altendorf thought they should digest this and comment on it. The ball was in their court. He pretended to look through one of his files while they thought things through.
Once again it was Darlan that spoke. “What timetable do you have in mind?”
In von Altendorf’s mind it was this point that could be the most contentious issue. ‘Now for the difficult bit’ he thought. “The main problem foreseen by the current members of the Alliance is that new members need to have stable governments and sound economies. This is of even greater concern in the case of a larger member.
Let us be blunt. France’s governments since the Great War have not served your country well. You also have the only large communist party in Western Europe.”
He paused briefly before continuing. “We propose Germany would withdraw all of its troops immediately from the French Atlantic seaboard that we now occupy. The total number of the occupying troops in northern France would simultaneously be reduced to a maximum of two hundred thousand. This is less than the numbers of the French army as it currently stands.
We will announce that we will steadily reduce our troops with total reductions being not less than fifty thousand a year, but France would be ‘free’ of German troops in a maximum of three years.
These actions, seen to be negotiated by you, should reflect positively on your government and give you all the credibility and strength you need to introduce whatever reforms you feel are needed.”
Petain and Darlan could take the credit for the successful outcome of these talks. He awaited their reaction.
It was hard to read Petain who remained silent but stared at Darlan. It was obvious to von Altendorf that Darlan’s support was needed for any progress to be made.
The previous June, when it was obvious that the war was going badly for France, the Admiral had ordered all French navy ships in the soon to be occupied Atlantic ports, to steam to French overseas territories, out of the German’s reach. He also personally promised the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, that ‘no French ship will ever come into the hands of the Germans’. This was a promise he had kept.
It was only after he realised that it was inevitable Germany was going to win the war, that he decided collaboration was the best interim course for France. He was, after all, a patriotic Frenchman.
Von Altendorf was relieved when Darlan now started to question him about details of the proposals. If he did not like the main proposals, he would not be interested in the details.
Over the next three hours they covered virtually every aspect of Germany’s future relationship with France and the French Empire. They also talked about Great Britain, Western Europe, the Soviet Union, the USA, and Japan. They were very comprehensive discussions. Even Petain showed some interest.
Von Altendorf thought he had done enough. He could do no more.
He was surprised when Darlan turned to Petain and said simply “These proposals are good for France.” Nothing more. He waited for Petain to react.
After a drawn out silence the Marshall replied. “I agree.”
Jeremy and Erica were having a Christmas Eve dinner at the restaurant where they had first met. Tonight was the last night they could be truly together over the next few days, as they were due at the von Altendorf estate for a family Christmas reunion.
They ate slowly and sipped their wine appreciatively. Their conversation reminisced about the last few months, but both of them avoided talking of their future.
Erica expressed her astonishment at the rapid changes that had taken place in her country. Changes that would have been unthinkable earlier in the year. She considered that the future was full of promise for her beloved Germany.
Jeremy agreed with her. His own country also now had a different perception of Germany.
It was time to leave the restaurant. Before he called for the bill he suddenly seemed to remember something. He said to Erica, “Oh, by the way, I nearly forgot. I found a little something for you today”. He was always buying her small gifts that he discovered in unusual or out of the way shops.