FRENCH GENERAL’S TIRADE

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1928, Page 6

FRENCH GENERAL’S TIRADE

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, November 1-1. Though he pays a glowing tribute to British soldiers in bis book “ Britain and the War,” General Hugnet (beau of the French .Mission at the British headquarters at the outbreak of the war) holds the most bitter views of “ uncongenial English, whose overthrow would have been generally welcomed throughout the world with a sigh of relief. lie lias accumulated against her so much distrust, antipathy and sometimes' violent resentment, that it is arguable whether this state of affairs can exist much longer. There are various signs she has reached the summit of her power and the hour of decline will soon strike. When Germany’s days of revenge arrives England will side with the country wherever her interests lie. Franco sees h-r original ally not only cheating her of the fruits of victory, hut siding with the enemy and continues advocating enemy interests.”

LONDON, November 15

Hugent alleges Britain’s post-war dealings with France are of a marked aggressive and patently dishonest character. He attributes this originally to the vehement, crafty, and unscrupulous Lloyd George, but others have a more dispassionate and temperate essence. Thereon, lie accuses “ the sour, impetuous, sullen, ill-tempered General French for the failure to turn the battle of the Marne into a success, which would have ended the war.” He describes a dramatic interview between Generals Focli and French at the battle, of Ypres when the latter suggested a retreat and General Focli said the Germans will follow you to the sea. It would he the beginning ol a debacle. Whether you go or not, I stand. Would you leave me alone? General French yielded and sent the orders sugegsted hv General Focli to General llaig. Hugent alleges Lord Kitchener once proposed to replace General French with General lan Hamilton.