De Gaulle 's biographer Jean Lacouture blamed the tragedy mainly on miscommunication ; had Darlan been in contact on the day .
Had Somerville possessed a more diplomatic character , a deal might have been done .
De Gaulle 's biographer Jean Lacouture blamed the tragedy mainly on miscommunication ; had Darlan been in contact on the day or had Somerville possessed a more diplomatic character , a deal might have been done .