I am a peasant from the Auvergne. I want to keep my farm, and I want to keep France. Nothing else matters now.

It is neither the statesman nor the friend who is asking your help and assistance, but simply the man.

France cannot be destroyed. She is an old country who, despite her misfortunes, has, and always will have, thanks to her past, a tremendous prestige in the world, whatever the fate inflicted upon her.

In the event of a victory over Germany by Soviet Russia and England, Bolshevism in Europe would inevitably follow. Under these circumstances I would prefer to see Germany win the war.

I defy anyone - and I have said this to the Germans - to build a solid, articulated, and viable Europe without France's consent.

But the same intelligence compels Germany to practise the same policy.

I feel that an understanding could be reached with Germany which would result in a lasting peace with Europe and believe that a German victory is preferable to a British and Soviet victory.