In 1938, The French government appointed him governor of French India, a colony shaken by unrest in the textile mills. In the course of the French military debacle during World War II, Bonvin telegraphed to the French government (then in Bordeaux) on 20 June 1940, declaring the will of the people of French India to continue the war on the side of the Allies. However, following the signing of the Armistice of 22 June 1940, he immediately recognized the government of Marshal Pétain. Shortly afterward, under pressure from Colonel Schomberg, the British consul in Pondicherry, who warned him that the British Indian Army would occupy the colony if he didn't declare for General de Gaulle, he reverted his decision. In an appeal to the people of 27 June 1940, Bonvin announced that the French colonial empire (and therefore the French Establishments in India) "will remain on the British side until the final victory." On 12 July, Governor Bonvin, through the British, assured de Gaulle of the cooperation of French India.