SIR JOHN FRENCH'S RETIREMENT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2647, 18 December 1915, Page 5

SIR JOHN FRENCH'S RETIREMENT

PRESS ENCOMIUMS Br Telegraph-Press AssoclaMon-Oopyrlslt (Rec. December 17, 10.15 p.m.) London, December 17. The "Daily Telegraph," commenting ou the retirement of Sir Jolm French from the British command in France and Flanders, says: "Sir John French's conduct of the war has been wholly admirable. Ho has kept the- reins in his own hands with masterly vigour. Sir Douglas Haig is a brilliant soldier and a great staff officer. He will now have splendid scope for his ability." The "Daily Chronicle" says: "Sir John French's special genius was probably seen to the best advantage in the 1914 campaign. He is essentially a lighting man, and the command of a relatively small army with which he could bo in close touch, is more congenial than the direction of a million men. Ho retires with the country's •respect and gratitude." "The Times," in a leader, says:— "Whatever Sir Jolm French may do hereafter, he is already assured of tho lasting gratitude of the nation. He has tlie distinction of having-made no conspicuous mistakes. ■ Tbo" Daily Mail" ea.ys: "Sir John French is not responsible for the deadlock on the West front. He was .handicapped by inadequate equipment.