At 12:35am the bugles sound the cease-fire all along the front. At 2am the Franco-German and Franco-Italian armistices come into force. The campaign is over.

In Germany the atmosphere is one of unlimited joy. At 8am Hitler broadcast the following speech to the German people:

After fighting valiantly for six weeks our troops have brought the war in the west to an end against a courageous enemy. Their heroic deeds will go down in history as the most glorious victory of all time. We give thanks to the Lord for his benevolence.

I order the flags be displayed throughout the Reich for ten days, and the pealing of bells for seven.

ADOLF HITLER

In Italy the predominant feelings in ruling circles are bitterness and disappointment.

'The armistice terms have not yet been divulged,' writes Count Ciano, 'but already rumors are flying about and causing obvious unrest. People were expecting an immediate and expense-free occupation. They assumed that all territories not conquered by force of arms would be made ours under the terms of this agreement. When the document is published, their disillusion will be greater still.'

In Britain the government issues the following communiqué:

The signature of the armistice by the French government brings to an end the organized resistance of the French forces at home. In the French Colonial Empire, however, there are encouraging signs that a more robust spirit prevails...

His Majesty's Government are prepared to make the necessary financial arrangements to enable the French Colonial Empire to play its part. As stated by the Prime Minister, the British aim is the complete restoration of the metropolitan and overseas territory of France.

In France the atmosphere is generally one of withdrawn bereavement; but mingled with this is a feeling of intense relief.