The Dominion THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1915. THE GUIDING MIND

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2622, 18 November 1915, Page 4

The Dominion THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1915. THE GUIDING MIND

—; 4 Although the announcement that General Joffre is to be placed iu supreme command of the Allied armies in all the theatres of war has not yet been officially confirmed, such a step would be quite in accordance with the efforts whioh have recently been made to secure more complete co-ordination in regard to the naval and military operations of the Entente Powers. It is not easy to understand how the movements of the Russian troops could be effectively controlled from General Joffre's headquarters. Possibly the report is not altogebhor correct in this particular- The rest of the message gives the impression that the proposed unity of direction has reference to the British and French forces only. The French Generalissimo already has supreme command of tho Allied troops in France and Belgium. The new arrangement may mean a widening of that, authority which will give him greater Control over the disposal of the whole of the forces available whether in Franco or elsewhere. Assuming that tho rqDort is correct, it may, of course, mean more than this. Perhaps it has been dceided that he is to be the man at the ohessboard empowered to make the moves for all the nations at war •against the- Teutonic Alliance. Some time ago General Joffre paid a visit to Italy, and more recently he crossed over to England for tho purpose of discussing war matters with the Britiifn military authorities. It was stated at the time that the conference would probably result in more complete unification of strategy in all theatres. It is probable that General Joffre is to bocorac the head of the combined War Council of the Allied Powers, the establishment of which was recently decided upon. The need for closer co-opcra-*.ion on the part of the Allies has

been proved by the convincing logic of events, and it now seems that practical steps are to be taken to attain this end. The advantages of undivided control are manifest. It enables things to be done promptly and decisively, and minimises .waste of energy on isolated operations. It also facilitates the striking of blows when and where they can be delivered most effectively.

If the supreme direction of the strategy of the Allies is to bo placed in the hands of one man it will bo quite impossible to pass oyer the claims of General Joffre for this great task- He has won the confidence of all the Entente Powers. He has carried on his great task in a manner that has made adverse criticism almost impossible. He has been equally succcssful as a strategist and a leader of men, President Poincare has described the outstanding qualities of the French Generalissimo as the spirit of organisation, order and method, cool and calculating foresight, readiness to deal with the unforeseen, a strength of mind that nothing can disturb, and a serene cheerfulness whoso salutary Bxamplc everywhere diffuses confidencc and hope. General Joffre is an iron disciplinarian, but he understands human nature, and is trusted and beloved by his soldiers. They know he is just, they have implicit confidence in his military genius, and they are convinced that he is the right man in the right place. It is well known that France was not ready for war when Germany compelled her either to fight or perish as a nation, and General Joffre had to surmount many obstacles before he succeeded in bringing the French Army to its present standard of cxcellenoe. It was largely owing to his skilful building uf> and handling of the forces at his disposal that the original German plan of campaign was frustrated. His confidence that the Allies must win in the long run has never wavered, and the firmness of his faith has _ been a continual source of inspiration to his countrymen. An inconclusive peace will not satisfy General Joffre. He recently informed the delegates of the National Union of Bailwaymen, who paid him a visit, that "we will proceed to the end—that is, to a victory which will permit us to dictate the conditions of peace." Such a victory cannot be achieved unless the Allies are prepared to subordinate everything to unity of strategy and unity of effort, which are as essential as unity of purpose. General Joffre is the man who to-day can best command the right to take that supreme control which is necessary to this end- We must hope that the news to hand from New York will be confirmed.