BATTLE OF THE MARNE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3186, 10 September 1917, Page 5

BATTLE OF THE MARNE

HOW PARIS WAS SAVED STATEMENT BY YISCOUNT FRENCH (Rcc. September 8, 7.-15 p.m.) Paris, September 7. Tho Paris "Journal" publishes an interview with Viscount French on tho anniversary of the Battle of tho Marne. Viscount I'rouch said: "After ten days' retreat and forced marches, the one idea of General JolYre, myself, and all commanders was to savo Paris by avoiding decisive defeat. Wo passed days of tho keenest anxiety. I was of tho opinion, that wo ought to fall further back in order to gam time-until our men had got their breath before we attempted to bar the road. The enemy was superior in effectives and material. Marshal Joffro first proposed to fight at tho Marne, tho then line. Finally came Von Kluck's extraordinary manoeuvre, moving obliquely southwards. Ho did this when lie learned that tho British Army was still firm and a Sixty French Army had been formed to protect Paris. Von Kluck's flank was thus menaced, and before General Manoury crossed _ tho Ourcq tho enemy began a precipitate retreat. Von Kluck saved his army, but I was astonished that he did not continue straight forward in an attempt to forco a passage. The British rapidly advancod and pressed back tho enemy

thirty miles in four days. Unfortunately my brave men numbered only 67,000."

Viscount Frcnch added: "During 1915 I continually made representations for guns and munitions to Lord Kitchener.

The experts on one occasion said tiffs programme would tako eight years to carry out. Fortunately, Mr. Lloyd George accomplished tho task, to his eternal honour'."—Aus.-N.Z-. Cable Assn.