On June 17, 1940, Philippe Pétain pronounces his first broadcast message to the French people to announce to them that he has asked for an armistice (which will be signed on June 22 with the Germans and on June 24 with the Italians). On June 29, the Pétain government leaves Bordeaux and settles in Vichy. The law of July 10, 1940, by a vote of the two assemblies (569 votes for, 80 against and 17 abstentions), entrusts to Marshal Pétain, the responsibilities of Head of the State with full powers. He is given the mission of promulgating a new constitution for the French State, guaranteeing the rights of Labour, of the Family and of the Homeland. On October 24, Marshal Pétain, anxious to obtain the return of the two million prisoners of war and to limit the crushing occupation costs, lets himself be convinced to meet Hitler at Montoire (Loir-et-Cher). He nevertheless keeps contact with the English – the Rougier and Chevalier missions, November 1940 - and with the Americans via their ambassador, Admiral Leahy. In November 1942, after the invasion of France’s Southern zone, Marshal Pétain refuses to leave Vichy so as to ensure the State a measure of continuity. In April 1944, he goes to Paris following the allied bombardments and is acclaimed by an immense crowd.