The French government signed an armistice with Germany in mid-1940, which was effective from June 22nd onward, following the fall of France. This would, as the French hoped, put an end to the regional conflict in France and restore a measure of security. England, which had by this time withdrawn from mainland Europe, was not pleased with this decision. Churchill, in particular, was incensed by France's decision. They were now a neutral nation, situated between England and Germany.