The Mer El-Kabir Incident: The Role of De Gaulle and French Resistance
In July 1940, during the early stages of World War II, Winston Churchill ordered the British fleet to sink the French fleet at Mers El-Kabir. This decision was not made lightly; it was driven by the dire situation faced by the Allies. At the time, France under General Petain had effectively become a puppet of Germany, with the majority of French forces in North Africa and the Middle East loyal to the Vichy regime and actively resisting Allied advances. This posed a significant threat to the Allied war effort, as these forces could potentially aid the Germans.
The Context of the Mer El-Kabir Incident
The Germans held over one million French soldiers as prisoners of war (POWs). The concern was that these soldiers, if released, could be used to expand the German army, thereby exacerbating the already dire Allied situation. The sinking of the French fleet at Mers El-Kabir was a critical decision aimed at neutralizing this potential threat.
For many historians and the public, the Mer El-Kabir incident is framed through the lens of British strategic decision-making. However, it is equally important to consider the perspective of French resistance and the role of de Gaulle, who was leading the Free French forces.
De Gaulle's Appeal and its Rejection
While de Gaulle led the Free French forces, he did not make an appeal to the Vichy fleet to surrender to Britain. This decision was driven by several factors. De Gaulle was extremely unpopular in Metropolitan France, and his attempts to unite the French resistance were often met with skepticism and even hostility. The failure of his efforts to unite French forces in Dakar further marginalized him in the eyes of many French patriots.
It is essential to understand the deeply entrenched national sentiments that existed at the time. Many French people felt a sense of betrayal when the British solders (British Expeditionary Force, BEF) withdrew from France. Despite the BEF's need to pull out due to the inability of French leaders to adapt to the fast-moving battle conditions, many French citizens felt let down. The all-or-nothing strategy of the British left the French forces exposed and vulnerable.
The French Military's Perspective
To the French military, de Gaulle was considered a traitor. The French forces in North Africa and the Middle East owned these ships and saw them as part of their assigned mission to fight the Allied forces, not Germany. This sense of duty and national allegiance significantly influenced their stance and their willingness to defy de Gaulle's appeals.
The ultimatum to the French fleet at Mers El-Kabir was a no-win situation. Admiral Gensoul was told to choose between internment or battle, yet an option of removing the fleet to the French West Indies was omitted. This strategic oversight left Gensoul with limited choices that did not align with the French military's sense of duty.
Conclusion
The Mer El-Kabir incident remains a contentious episode in the history of World War II. While the sinking was a necessary strategic move from the British perspective, it also represents a complex dilemma in terms of French national identity and loyalty. Understanding the broader context and the perspectives of those involved, including de Gaulle and the French military, provides a more nuanced and comprehensive view of this critical period in history.
Keywords: Mer El-Kabir, French Fleet, De Gaulle, Vichy France