 Complete the following phrase:  De Gaulle organised the Free French Forces and the Allies gave increasing support and recognition to de Gaulles efforts. In London in September 1941 de Gaulle formed the French National Committee, with himself as president. It was an all-encompassing coalition of resistance forces, ranging from conservative Catholics like himself to communists. By early 1942, the Fighting French movement, as it was now called, gained rapidly in power and influence; it overcame Vichy in Syria and Lebanon, adding to its base. Dealing with the French communists was a delicate issue, for they were under Moscows control and the USSR was friendly with Germany in 194041 as a result of the MolotovRibbentrop Pact. They came into the Free French movement only when 