The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-11-17
Baron = st. Davids Arraigns
Conduct Of British Head
quarters In France.
THINKS vALOR WASTED
Loos Victory Mismanaged, Says
Critic-GOvernment De-
fenls Commander.
SDec,ni cable Despatch to TnE Sun.

SPECIAL cable Despatch TO THE Sun.
LONDON, Nov. I6.--what Baron New.
ton. on behalf of the Government. de-
scribed as remarkable and sensational
charges" were made to-day in the House
of Lords by Baron st. Davids against
the composition and work OF the British
eadauarters stan In France.
Baron st. Davids declared that "the
stan Of the Guards division and Sir
Douglas Haig's stan went into the
trenches and saw what was being done.
They were soldiers. But as regards the
headquarters stan. he had not heard one
returning soldier say a good word
Men, he said who were put In the
latter STAFF were Of rank and position
and money. also men who had left the
army for politics or business or to amuse
themselves.
He believed some had been put on the
stan because they were able to give "A
good racing tip. He admitted that II
sounded incredible. but asked what
other qualifications they had. He had
been told that the headquarters stan
numbered $50. even :0o. aud that II
was five or six times as large as Gen.
Joffrc's.
women at Headquarters.
". had also heard hints that Sir John
French had not chosen some OF the mem
bers of his stan. but that they were
forced upon him.
AT the beginning OF the war;" he de-
clared. "it was said that there were
women at headquarters.
Their names we're never given. but II
Is certain that an effort was made 10
hide the facts
Baron ST. Davids quoted a statement
OF a civilian friend who had been to see
a stan officer on business. He went
early. but was unable to see the onicer
until 10 80 4. NJ, when the officer ex'
planned his latencss by saying that ht
was kept up late playing bridge whist
Baron 81. Dayids attacked the stan
In connection with the Loos battle o.
September e5. He said 1t would have
been a victory except that owing TO bat
stan work reenforcements were unavail
able. The same thing happened on seI
eral other occasions. he added, Win IN
result that the valor Of the soldiers wa
thrown away with horrible loss OF ffe
rs IL not time" he asked. ito remove
a General who was never suocessfu
and to give the soldiers fair chanc'
for life and victory? lie demanded
Government inquiry.
Baron Newton replied briefly, and HI
was followed by Lord Haldane. who re
vealed a somewhat intimate acquaint
ance with the doings al headquarters
He thought that baron ST pavids mis-
conceived what the field organization
was
Defends Com ina 0dcr.
"A real headquarters stan" he said
"is composed Of men selected years he
fore There are others appointed 4
carry out the business arrangements.
He admitted that many on the stan di
not work as well ~ they might bu
this, he said. was owing To- lack OF "a
opportunity for proper training "
declared that Sir John French rose dali
at and worked hard until bedtime II
, II o'clock.
| He assured Baron st. pavids that h
/ was mistaken about Loos, as the reserve
were there. They were not only read,
but were sent forward. He refused I
I discuss why this attack was not su,
cessful, but asserted that 1t was in no
wise due to IA lack OF care and attentio
on the part OF Sir John French.
The Marquis of Crewe, speaking 70
the Government. regretted some thing
Baron st. Davids said and declared tina
| rambling gossip ought to be differei
tiated from criticism. The Governmen
he said. empha,ically disapproved of III
presence OF women At headquarters es
cept on business. The alleged non-ai
rival in time OF reenforcements at Loo
he concluded. is being investigated b
the highest military authorities.