FRENCH’S BOOK

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10278, 13 May 1919, Page 5

FRENCH’S BOOK

THE MOHS RETREAT CONTINUATION OF CRITICISM OF KITCHENER. By Telegraph—Pres* Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, May 6. .When Lord Kitchener arrived in Paris on September Ist, 1914, he wore a Field-Marshal’s uniform, and assumed the air of Commander-in-Chief from the outset. He announced his intention of taking tho field and inspecting the troops. The British Ambassador, Lord Bertie, emphatically objected, and drafted a telegram which he proposed to send to Sir Edward Grey, stating his views and demanding instructions. Ho showed the draft of the telegram to Lord Kitchener, who asked Lord French’s opinion. Lord Frencli said he agreed with Lord Bertie, whereupon Lord Kitchener abandoned his intention: but ho appeared to take grave exception to Lord French’s views on the necessity for ms not interfering with the commanders in the field. Lord Kitchener abruptly closed the discussion, and requested Lord French to him to another room for a private interview. Lord French says he is anxious to lay stress on the danger of the Govern-, ment interfering with commanders in the field. Tho French President, Government, and Generals were naturally anxious to save Paris, and the utmost pressure was brought to bear on him to make a stand in dangerous positions which would have exposed the British Army to annihilation. His French comrades did not resent his resistance to the demands, but when Lord Kitchener and the British Government exercised still greater pressure, Lord French’s .position became one of the utmost difficulty. Lord Kitchener was ignorant .of the true condition of the British troops after the retreat. He mistakenly asserted that they were reinforced by men and material, and seemed to think their losses had been exaggerated.

Lord French explains the German change of direction on September 3rd by saying that the enemy was not aware of the strength of the French Army which was gathering north of Paris, and regarded the British Army as crushed and useless as a fighting forcot The Germans therefore concentrated on tho centre at Chateau Thierry, in order to strike an overwhelming blow,' and cut the Allies in two, such a stroke becoming - a necessity, as a quick decision in France was an essential part of tho German plans, They were out-marching their supplies, and the Russian menace wa increasing-

It was a desperate effort, but it -was no sooner launched than the fatal error was discovered. Lord French mentions that he selected Sir Henry Wilson as Chief of Staff to succeed General Murray, but General Wilson’s candid expressions of opinion in favour of Ulster during the imbroglio in tho spring of 1914 caused the appointment to be vetoed.

-, QUESTIONS IN HOUSE OB' COMMONS. (Received Mav 12. 10.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 7. Questions aro being askod in the House of Commons' to-day respecting Lord French’s statements. Some members desire a far-reaching inquiry, corering these and other topics. Sir George Arthur, who is writing, the authorised “Life of Kitchener,” states that French’s, comments on Lord Kitchener’s attitude do not harmonise with actual telegrams and letters which passed between them. Sir George Arthur says this evidence will be adduced in due course.