Basically, the French were ambivelant about whether to resist an invasion or just allow it to happen. The Vichy government in France wanted to make at least a show of resistance to appease the Germans. The local leaders were split between loyality to France and the obvious inability to do anything of value in resisting.
Negotiations between the US and French leaders in North Africa went on almost up to the landings. Complicating this were the various French personalities like Admiral Darlan, General Giraud, General De Gaulle, and Bethouart among others int he French hierarchary who all had their personal agendas of aggrandizement and self-interest. Some played both sides. Others simply negotiated for as much power as they could grab. None it seems had the best interests of either France or the Allies in mind.

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Truth is stranger than bullshit!