The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 1914. BRITAIN IN THE FIELD.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 2, 20 August 1914, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 1914. BRITAIN IN THE FIELD.

Though under the terms of the Entente Cordial© there was an absence of obligation to land troops on the Continent in support of the French Army, Britain has rendered splendid service in landing a large Expeditionary Force at Calais, and the cementing of Anglo-French friendship is complete. The masterly direction of Lord Kitchener has apparently given the world another lesson in transportation of troops and without fuss or excitement, in perfect order and in safety,’ that which Germany persuaded herself to be an utter impossibility is an accomplished fact. That France has been anxiously desirous of assuring. in the event of war with Germany, that at least a force of a hundred thousand British soldiers should be landed on the Continent at the very beginning of operations, has long been known. The question of a closer alliance has been freely discussed nt all its bearings, and in dignified style, m the French and English Press. As the outcome of a friendly visit to England by French and Belgian editors, - the London “Standard” put to certain eminent Frenchmen these questions ;

(1) From the standpoint of French interests, you are satisfied with the present form of the Entente with Great Britain? If so, why? (2) If you are not wholly satisfied with that form, what modifications would you suggest in the interests of the balance of power in Europe ? If you should favour a closer Entente, should stub a closer Entente assume the shape of an alliance? (4) Would such a closer understanding or alliance necessaiily imply, in your opinion, an increase in the British military establishment; and, if so, to what extent? In every instance, though in careful an,] meder_ ate terms and with due re gard for the caution which admittedly must actuate British statesmen in a binding foreign policy, every Frenchman approached desired a closer and more tangible alliance. Some were more emphatic, notably Colonel Rousset, Professor in the Higher War College, who said it was absolutely necessary that the British Expeditionary Corps should num-

boi- sufficient men to form a Hank gnart l capable of countering the effects of an almost certain violation of Belgian territory,and that this force should set foot in France at the very outset of hostilities. General JDriant, who was another of those approached, said he considered the Entente could have no real value unless it secured the substantial military co-operation of Britain. “You must admit,” lie said, “that in the face of Germany’s dreams of Empire any defeat of France would he a direct blow at the heart of England. Now, it is not in the North Sea that the isstie of a great European war will he settled, ft will be, as in the past, in Lorraine, and no doubt in Belgium. Napoleon was overcome not at Trafalgar, but at Waterloo.”