(4 of 5)
The Car Again. That night the French peace delegates were driven 52 miles southwest to Paris, through streets that were deserted after the 9 o'clock curfew, to a hotel where they slept fitfully. Next morning they returned to their tent in the forest clearing. General Keitel turned over the dining car to them, where, with five secretaries, they went over the terms article by article. Article by article they discussed them with Bordeaux from the tent. Article by article they tried to get concessions from General Keitel, who was courteous but firm. Late in the afternoon of the second day, General Keitel sent word to them that their time was nearly up. General Huntziger sent word back that the French were ready. Once more Frenchmen and Germans faced each other across the green baize table.
"Before carrying out my Government's order," said General Huntziger, "the French delegation deems it necessary to declare that, in a moment when France is compelled by fate of arms to give up the fight, she has a right to expect that the coming negotiations will be dominated by a spirit that will give two great neighboring nations a chance to live and work once more. As a soldier you will well understand the onerous moment that has now come for me."
General Keitel: "I acknowledge your declaration. ... I can only reply that it is honorable for the victor to honor the vanquished."
In the moment that followed, Admiral Le Luc wiped tears from his cheeks. There was a sound of a pen scratching, a sentence spoken in French: "Monsieur le General, la plume," the scratch of a second signature. It was 6:50 p.m.. German summer time.
The Terms. No official text of the terms was published last week, but in London the British released a summary.
Main provisions:
> Germany will occupy roughly all territory north and west of Tours in west-central France, will thus control Paris as well as all western seaports. All rights of occupation except local administration are to be maintained by the troops stationed there, with France to pay the costs of occupation.
> The French Government may choose for itself a capital from which to continue its administration of unoccupied France, must see to the repatriation of the occupied territory.
> Naval, military and air forces must be completely demobilized and disarmed, with the exception of troops needed to preserve order. Except for such portions as are needed to safeguard French colonial possessions, the Fleet is to be collected in specified ports—under the assurance that Germany will not employ it for its own purposes, except for coastal surveillance and minesweeping. No Frenchman may serve against Germany in the service of other powers.
> German prisoners of war and all German subjects in France or French overseas possessions must be handed over to Germany. All French prisoners in German hands are to remain there until the conclusion of peace.
> Land and coastal defenses must be handed over intact, as well as plans of fortifications, mine charts, etc. The French are to carry on minesweeping.
> All offensive and defensive weapons must be turned over to Germany, and all war supplies, no more of which are to be manufactured. In the occupied areas all military supplies, fortifications and communications are to be turned over.