Pierre Laval

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

We have given most of Europe to Hitler. Let us try to hold on to what we have got left.

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

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 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.

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

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.

Workers of France, it is for the freedom of the prisoners that you will go to work in Germany! It is for our country that you will go in large numbers!

It is in order that France may find her place in the new Europe that you will respond to my appeal.

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

I want to tell you that I think this war is a great mistake.