THE CRISIS OF THE WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 November 1920, Page 6

THE CRISIS OF THE WAR.

CONFERENCE OF DOULLENS. HOW FOCII PREVAILED. London, Nov. 12. The correspondent of the Times at . Paris states that the Foch-Clemenceau , controversy continues unabated. A flood of new information is coming to light, including a statement published in Le Matin that the evacuation of Paris was considered an imminent 'possibility by M. Clemenceau and General Petain on the fourth day of the fierman olietisive ill March, 1018, and only on the urgent representations of M. Poincare was the matter deferred. The fateful Doullens Conference was held three days later. What transpired there, according to Le Matin's report, provides a striking sidelight on the determination and optimism of Foch. W hen told ol the discussion he showed extreme agitation, and, in quick, jerky iones, replied: "Paris is a long way off. This is where we ought to stop the Boche. It is always possible to stop the Boche. Only jive the order and there will be no further retreat. ThreeQuarters of the work has already been done." Sir Douglas Haig coming up then, said: "1 am ready to defend Amiens." But Foch leapt to his feet and quickly replied: ''There is no question of Amiens. We must conquer in front of Amiens." Lord Milner then held a whispered conversation with Clemenceau, and after Sir Douglas Haig had pointed out that owing to the lack of cohesion among the Allied forces they were marching straight to disaster, a declaration was drawn up making Foch Generalissimo, and was signed on the spot.