MODERN FRENCH HISTORY

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 38, 14 February 1930, Page 9

MODERN FRENCH HISTORY

PEN VITRIOLIC TO LAST

ATTITUDE TO FOCH

United Tress Association—By Electric Telo-

graph—Copyright.

LONDON, 12th February.

An outspoken biography of Clemenccau by his secretary -and also bis friend, Jean Martel, hat been published by Longmans simultaneously with a summary of the ex-Premier's last book, "Grandeur et Misore d'uue Vietoire," in France.

The "Tiger's" pen was vitriolic to the last. In the course of a personal defence Clomenceau violently attacked Foehj whom ho accuses of insubordination. He also condemns M. Viviani, who was Premier at the outbreak of the war, for withdrawing the French troops six miles from the frontier in order to demonstrate France's desire for peace. He ceaselessly criticises M. Poincare in regard to certain disagreements, particularly lon the eve of the armistice.

Clemenceau says that Foeh did not grasp the sense of command, although ho pays a tribute to Foeh's courage and admits he was one of the factors leading to victory. His tone towards Foeh, however, softens as the book closes. Incidentally, Clomenceau's tributes are sparkling with. wit. Lord Georgey he says, has been an enemy of France ever since the armistice.

The "Tiger" is most bitter against Germany, describing the German revolution as "make believe."

M. Martol's book consists of conversations with the "Tiger." Thus, concerning Foeh, he says: "You see"" the shabby little tricks he played on me, yet he was the man France needed. With Petain, a loyal_ and trustworthy man who hehaved in exemplary fashion, the. war would have lasted another year. All the more to my credit I defended Foeh, as I do not like people of his kind in whose souls ability and courage live side by side with less attractive traits. If the war had tc be fought again I should choose Foch a second time." •