“THE TIGER’S” MEMOIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 February 1930, Page 6

“THE TIGER’S” MEMOIRS

HIS ESTIMATE OF FOCH

(United Press Association.—By Eiectra Tel egra ph.—Copyright.)

LONDON, Fejb. 13

An outspoken biography of the late M. Clemoncea.il,, % bis secretary, and also his friend, Jean Martel, reference to which was babied on December 15, lias been published at Longmans, simultaneously with a summary of the ex-Premier’s last book “Grandeur Et Misere d’Une Victoire” in France. “The Tiger’s” pen was vitriolic to the last. In the • course of bis personal defene", M. Olemenceau violently attacked Marshal' Focli, whom he accused of insubordination. He also condemns- M. Yiviani, who was Premier of France at the outbreak of tho war, for withdrawing the French troops six miles from .the' frontier in order to demonstrate- Frances desire for peace. He ecasCly ' criticises M. Poincare in regard to their disagreements, particularly on the eve of the Armistice.

M. CleinencQau' declares that Marshal Focli did. Mot grasp the sense ol command, alihutigh lie pays a tribute to Foch’s eon rage , , ,

M. OlomoneoiHiti admits that Marshal Focli was one of. the factors of the victory. His tone; • towards Marshal Focli, however, : softens as the hook dbses.

Incidentally M, Clcinenceau’s tributes with sparkling wit the wit of Ml- Lloyd George., though he says that Mr Lloyd George has been the enemy of France ever since the Armistice. “The Tiger” is most bitter against Germany. He describes the German revolution a,s make believe. At. Martel’s book consists of the conversations of• “The Tiger.” Thus concerning Marshal Focli, ho says:— “You see the shabby little tricks he played on me, ycit he was the man whom France needed! With Marshal Retain ,a loyal and trustworthy man, who behaved in art exemplary fashion, the war would have lasted for another year! It was 1 all the more to my credit that I defended Focli, as I do not like people of his kind, in whose souls, ability and courage live side hv side with less attractive traits. If the war had to he fought again, I should choose Marshal • 'Focli the second time!”