In Paris itself the operation was welcomed by many as a sign that liberation might be one step nearer. “Nobody was indignant,” wrote one witness. “Most hid their jubilation badly.” Blame was directed much more at the French and German authorities for failing to sound the alert, or to enforce the blackout effectively, or to provide adequate shelters.35 Rumors quickly circulated outside Paris that the Germans had deliberately locked the workers inside the factory or had barred entry to the shelters. It was said that Parisians called out “Long Live Great Britain!” as they lay dying.
