WAS EPISODE.
CRISIS OF AUGUST, 1914. LOSS OF WAR POSSIBLE. SECRET DESPATCHES REVEALED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received April 16, 5.5 p.m, London, April 14. The Evening Standard gives in full the text of telegrams between Lord Kitchener and Lord French at the end of August, 1014, and says it was a nule shock to Lord Kitchener to learn indirectly of Lord French's decision to make a definite and prolonged retreat of an eight days' march due south. Lord Kitchener anxiously enquired Lord French's meaning, and he replied that lie had let Marshal Joffrc know plainly that it was impossible for the British to remain in the frout line now that Marshal Joffre had begun a retirement. :
Lord Kitchener later received a gloomy letter from Lord French,,who said: "My confidence in the ability of the leaders of the French Army is fast waning, and this is the real reason for m> decision to move the British so far back. I feel most strongly the absolute necessity for retaining complete independence of power to retire on our base when necessary."
Lord Kitchener regarded the last proposal as calamitous, and considered an independent retreat of such magnitude not only a violation of the spirit of the I'.t'tent?, but a negation of the policy i*n mined by the British Government, He told Cabinet, which was hastily summoned, that a retirement behind' the Seine might mean the loss of ilie war. Cabinet instructed him tn telegraph to Lord French that he expected him, as far as possible, to conform to Marshal Joffre's plans.
Lord French's reply arrived at midnight, and only reiterated his reasons for nn independent movement. Lord Kitchener consulted Mr. Asquith (then Premier) personally, and roused Viscount Grey (then British Foreign Secretary) from his sleep, and informed him he was proceeding to France in a destroyer to consult Lord French.
The historic interview at Paris followed. Lord Kitchener had no misgivings about his mission. As secretary of State he must convey his instructions regarding the Government policy, hut he had no idea of interfering with the military execution of the policy. The iniiitnrv situation had already sonsihlv improved, and Lord French undertook to do all the Government asked, and the episode, which Lord Kitchener always regarded as the most pregnant in the war, was happily ended.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.
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Taranaki Daily News, 17 April 1920, Page 5
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385WAS EPISODE. Taranaki Daily News, 17 April 1920, Page 5
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