AN INTERVIEW.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1917, Page 4

AN INTERVIEW.

■BATTLE OF THE MARNE

Paris, Sept 7

The “Journal ” publishes an interview with the Viscount John French on the anniversary- of the Battle of the Marne. Viscount French said : “ After ten day's’ retreat and forced marches the «,ne idea of General Joffre, myself, and all the Commanders was to save Paris by 7 avoiding a decisive defeat. We passed days of the keenest anxiety 1 was of opinion that we ought to fall fn;flier back in order to gain time, and until our men got breath before they 7 attempted to bar the road. The enemy was superior in effectives and material. General Joffre was the first to propose to fight at the Marne, and then the Aisuo.

“Finally came Von Kluck’s extraordinary manoeuvre, moving obliquely southward.® He was doing this when he learned that the British Army was still firm and the Sixth French Army formed to protect Paris. Von Kluck’s flank was menaced and before General Manonry had crossed the Oureq he began his precipitate retreat. Von Kluck saved his army, but I was astonished that he did not continue straight forward in an attempt to force a passage. The British s rapidly advanced and pressed back the enemy thirty miles in four days. Unfortunately my brave men numbered only 67,00(X” Viscount French added : “During’ 1915 1 continually 7 made representation for guns and/ munitions to Lord Kitchener. The .experts on one occasion said that this programme would take eight years to manufacture. Fortunately 7 Air Lloyd George accomplished tho task to his eternal honour,”