In the Vosges the ring has tightened round the French forces. With Gen Weygand's approval, Gen Georges instructs Gen Condé to hold out, whatever the cost. The prospect of an early armistice justifies this last effort.

By evening, however, the situation is worse than ever. Having run out of food and ammunition, Gen Condé is authorized to seek a ceasefire on condition that he is accorded the honors of war. Gen List agrees to this. All France's eastern forces - some 500,000 men - are taken prisoner after fighting to the very last.

Little now remains of the French armed forces. The 10th Army, which has retreated from the Somme to Brittany, has been captured almost to a man. In the east the 3rd, 5th and 8th Armies, together with part of the 2nd, have all been forced to capitulate.

In the Alps the Italians renew their attacks along the whole front. As on the previous day, they are contained by the French outposts except along the coast, where they make slight progress in the area of Menton.