INNER HISTORY OF THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 195, 13 May 1919, Page 5

INNER HISTORY OF THE WAR

LORD FRENCH'S BOOK THE KITCHENER INCIDENT INTERFERENCE WITH THE FIELD COMMANDERS By ToleerapE-Press Aeaociation-CoDyrigbt London, May 0. When Lord Kitchener arrived in Paris on September 1, MM, he wore a FieldMarshal's'uniform, and assumed the air of Commander-in-Chief from the outset. He announced his intention of taking tho field and inspecting the troops. The British Ambassador, Lord Bertie, emphatically objected, and drafted a telegram which lie proposed to send to Sit Edward Grey, stating his views and demanding instructions. Ho showed the draft of the telegram to Lord Kitchener, who asked Lord French's opinion. Lord French said he agreed with Lord, Bertie, whereupon Lord Kitchener abandoned his intention; but he appeared to take gravt. exception to Lord French's views on the necessity for his not interfering with tho commanders in the field. Lord Kitehenej abrutly closed the discussion, and requested Lord' French to accompany him to another room for a interview. Lord French says he is anxious to lay stress on the danger of the Government interfering with commanders in the field. The French President, Government, and generals were naturally anxious to 6avo Paris, and the. utmost, pressure, was brought to bear on him to make a stand in dangerous positions, which would have exposed the British Army to annihilation. His French comrades did not resent his resistance to the demands, but when Lord Kitchener and the British Government exercised stilt greater pressure. Lord French's position became one of the utmost difficulty. Lord Kitchener, was ignorant of tho true condition of tho British troops after the retreat". He mistakenly asserted that they were reinforced by men and material, and seemed to think their losses had been exaggerated. Lord French explains the German, change of direction on September 3 by 6aying that the enemy was not aware of the strength of the French Army which was gathering north of Paris, and regarded the British Army as crushed and useless as a fighting force. The Germans therefore concentrated on the centre at Chateau Thierry, in order to strike an overwhelming blow and cut the Allies in two, such a stroke becoming a necessity, as a quick decision in France was an essential part of the German plans. They were out-marching their supplies,, and the Russian menace was increasing. It was a desperate effort, but it was no sooner launched than tho fatal error was discovered.

Lord French mentions that he selected Sir Henry Wilson as Chief of Staff to succeed General Murray, but General Wilson's candid expressions of opinion in favour of Ulster (luring the imbroglio in the spring of 1914 caused the appointment to.be vetoed.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT (Rec. May 12,; 10.15 p.m.) London, May 7 (delayed). Questions are being asked in the' House of Commons to-day respecting Lord French's statements. Some members desire a far-reaching inquiry covering these and other topics. •Sir George Arthur, who is writing the authorised "Life of Kitchener," states that Lord French's comments on Lora Kitchener's attitude do not harniouise with tho n'o'tual telegrams ami letters which passed between them. Sir George Arthur says that this evidence will be adduced in due course.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable A6sn. ....(Rec. May 13/' 1.5 a.m.) London, May 7. ■ Sir Donald Maclean, speaking in the Hoiiso of Commons, called attention to Lord French's controversial articles in the "Daily Telegraph," and asked whether the Government considered their publication part of the duties of tba Viceroy of Ireland.

The Speaker called Sir Donald Maclean to order. He was not, he said, entitled to ask a question concerning the Viceroy. Tho 'matter must be raised in ordinary debate. The Speaker refused a supplementary question" dealing with Lord French's position as Field-Marshal and subject to V/' King's Regulations. ' v The Speaker also rebuked Sir Donald Maclean's subsequent reference to the development of a Viceroy into a jour nnlist.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.