THE YSER LINE

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 45, 17 November 1926, Page 11

THE YSER LINE

AND THE ALLIED COMMAND DID BELGIANS INTEND TO RETIRE? KING ALBERT DENIES Statement by foch King Albert denies a statement attributed to Marshal Foch that he intended to order the Belgians to retire in November. 1911. if Marshal Foch had not intervened. BY Telegraph.—press association. Copyright. Brussels, November .15. Belgian ex-service men impressively marched past King Albert in celebration of the Armistice anniversary. King Albert has sent a letter to Marshal Foch denying the latter’s statement that it was King Albert’s intention to order the Belgians to retire in November, 191.4, if'.Marshal Foch had not intervened. He adds that the Belgian Army Order declared that whoever uttered the word “retreat” would be regarded as a traitor to the country. The Army, before Marshal Foch’s visit, was ordered to maintain the Yser line at all costs. The staff, when the Belgians were hard pressed on October 28. contemplated a retirement, which King A’lbert vetoed. While -admitting that the necessary French assistance was due to Marshal Foch’s representations. King Albert concluded that the happy issue on the Yser line was due to the bravery and tenacity of the Belgians. STATEMENT PUBLISHED IN AN INTERVIEW NEVER COMMANDED ALLIED ARMIES London, November 15. King Albert’s denial refers to a recent interview in the Paris “Matin,” in which Marshal Foch stated that he never commanded, as was popularly’ supposed. What lie really did was to convert the various commanders to his views. He called .Earl Haig, Marshal Petain, and General Pershing to his headquarters in July. 1918. and explained the plans for an offensive.. All the three commanders held the opinion that the Allied armies were not in a condition to advance, but by offers ,of assistance from the French armies, by stimulating their pride, and bv logic he persuaded everybody to follow his plans. Marshal Foch added that he could have given categorical orders, bnt the orders were received unwillingly, and alwavs badly carried out. On one occasion he gave categorical orders when he did not possess the power to give them. Marshal French and. King Albert had insisted on retreating behind the Yser hi 1914. hut he left instructions beginning. “The lines at. present, held will be defended,” and. though he was merely a general, a British Field-Marshal nnd a Belgian King issued their orders accordingly.

DENIAL BY FOCH

“NEVER MADE SUCH STATEMENTS” (Rec. November 16, 8.40 p.m.) London, November 16. The statements attributed to 'Marshal Foch appeared in an article by Stephane Lanznnne. published in "Le Matin.” Marshal Foch, according to the Brussels "Soir,” declares that he never made such statements.