THE MAN NEEDED

Gisborne Times, Volume LXX, Issue 11131, 14 February 1930, Page 5

THE MAN NEEDED

BUT PLAYED SHABBY LITTLE TRICKS ON ME

OLEMENCEAU'S TRIBUTE TO FOCH

“THE TIGER'S” PEN VITRIOLIC TO THE LAST

OUTSPOKEN BIOGRAPHY

United Presß Assn, by El. Tel. Copyright

(Received Feb. 13, 10 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 13,

An outspoken' biography of Olemenceau by his secretary and also his friend M. Jean Martel, lias been published by Longman’s, simultaneously with the summary of the ox-Prem-ier’s last book, “Grandeur ct Misere D’une Victoirc on France.”

‘‘Tho Tiger’s” pen was vitriolic to tlio last, In the course of a personal defence, M. Clomenceau violently attacked Marshal Foch, whom lie accused of insubordination and also condemns M. Vivian, the 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. Poincaro in regard to disagreements, particularly on the eve of the armistice. M. Giemencean says Marshal Foch did not grasp the sense of command, though lie pays a tribute to Marshal Foch’s courage, and admits ho was one of tho factors of victory. His tone towards Marshal Foch. however, softens as tho book closes. Incidentally, M. Olemenceau pays tributes sparkling with wit to Mr Lloyd George, though lie'says he lias been the enemy of France ever since the Armistice.

“The Tiger” is most bitter against Germany, describing the German revolution as make-believe. M. Martel’s book consists of conversations of “The Tiger”. Thus concerning Marshal Foch, be says:—-

“You see the shabby little tricks lie played on me yet lie is the man France needed. With Petain, a. loyal trustworthy man who behaved in exemplary fashion, the war would have lasted another year. It is /ill the more to• my credit I defended Marshal Foch, as I do not like ]M!oplo of his kind, in whose souls ability and courage live side by side with less attractive traits. If the war had to be fought again I should choose Marshall Foch a second time.”