WAR AND PLAY CONFUSED

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 491, 22 October 1928, Page 9

WAR AND PLAY CONFUSED

FOCH ON THE BRITISH POINCARE WRITES BOOK (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) LONDON, Saturday. The Premier of France, M. Poincare, has published a new book on the war, entitled “The Invasion,” in which Marshal Foch’s opinion of the British Army is given. The author says: “Marshal Foch eulogised the courage of the British, but he said to me, ‘They still seem to confuse war with sport; they imagine one is free to choose an hour’s rest or an hour’s combat; but the enemy does not wait. It is time our allies changed their methods of receiving relief troops.’ "Even Lord Kitchener, in spite of his wonderful sang-froid, Insists that he is not without considerable apprehension regarding the situation of the little British Army.” M. Poincare says Marshal Foch promised Lord Kitchener the aid of French troops, but added: “Send us as soon as possible the divisions you have formed.” Lord Kitchener replied: “You will have 1,000,000 men in IS months.” Foch repeated hurriedly: “Eighteen months! I would prefer fewer men who would arrive more quickly.” Lord Kitchener later pointed out to M. Ribot, Minister of Finance, that some of his troops had to be kept in England, and moreover that many of those sent to France required training. He said he had rented buildings in France for two years. M. Ribot was amazed, and said: “Two years! Does England believe that the war will last for two years?”