Following France's defeat in June 1940 and the establishment of the Vichy regime, tensions began to rise with the United Kingdom, a key player in the Allied resistance against the Axis powers. Vichy's leadership, under Marshal Philippe Pétain, sought to maintain a degree of autonomy while simultaneously aligning with Nazi Germany, which had a significant influence over French politics and governance. The severing of foreign relations with the UK on July 5 was a culmination of increasing diplomatic strain, which had been brewing due to differing ideological paths following the armistice.

The productivity of Vichy France's ties with Britain had diminished dramatically, given the UK’s ongoing military efforts in the Mediterranean and their adamant stance against Axis expansion. While Vichy officials initially aimed to preserve some diplomatic channels, the growing British support for Free French forces led by Charles de Gaulle increasingly alienated the Vichy government. As a response to British military actions and propaganda, Vichy France sought to formally declare the cessation of relations, emphasizing their alignment with German interests over their historical ties with Britain.

This decisive move not only highlighted the internal divisions within France but also represented a broader strategic shift in the European theater. The Vichy regime's stance effectively blurred the lines between collaboration and resistance, making the diplomatic landscape increasingly complex. As Britain responded with its own measures, this severing also marked a turning point in the international landscape of World War II, as former allies became entrenched adversaries amid the turmoil of war.