THE MONS RETREAT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 226, 18 June 1919, Page 7

THE MONS RETREAT

j. • ASQUITH-FRENCH DISPUTE " TIMES" JUDGMENT lij Telegraph-Press Acsociation-CopyristH (Eec. June 1", 10.30 p.m.) .. London, June 15. Mr. Asquilh, denying the responsibility for the'shell shortage, levels a grave accusation against Lord I'renchV iland• ling of the lions retreat. Mr. Asquith united I hat a message from Lord French tilled Cabinet with consternation. Tin British Commander's contemplated movements would have had the effect of leaving our Allies in the lurch at a moment of most extreme need. The "Times'* carefully examined the known facts about the retreat, and declares that, II r. Asquith's allegations are true (? untrue). "Lord. French biow that his, heavy tosses iirguns,-machine-guns, and equipment forbade. the British Army t.ikin; the offensive. T!ia position grew worse, and his judgment was confirmed by the sudden' withdrawal of the French Army on his right, Then General Smith-Dor-ien lost fourteen thousand men at L« Cateau in an action taken in spite of Lord French, contrary to orders. General Jofi're was clearly and ■ repeatedly informed that' it was essential that the British, while keeping the line, should be retired pending refitting and. reinforcement. Cabinet then sent Lord-Kitchener to over-ride Lord French, but the latter persisted with his plan, which triumphed at the Marne. Lord Kitchener was not allowed to. move a man or a gun."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. TTlie above message is' by no means clear. The conclusion conflicts with tho opening remark by'the "Times" that tho Ssquith allegation is "true."!