New-York tribune., 1918-02-18
Big Issues Behind Change
OF British Army Head
MATTERS OF Strategic and Military Policy Underc Subsu-
ton OF General Wilson for General Robertson British
Oppose Generassimo Idea for Allies

force. But we also need Mr.. Asquith
as the steadying governor of the ma
chine.
| am not surprised that Americans
should ask what it is all about Be
lievc nc, an uphcaval like this always
means in England substantial cause.
we are not fussing over nothing. Be
hlnd these two military persons. Rob-
ertson and Wilson, lies military STRAIT
egy, military organization. Broadly,
the question is whether and to what
extent there should be united com
mand of all the Allied armies. AS in
Gcrmany. When the news of General
kobertson's resignation came through
on saturday some people jumped to the
conclusion that it meant a generalis-
sImo. l wonder whether you realize
now severe strain that would impose
on British sentiment. Our army is to-
day defending Paris. 1t has drawn
against itself the main body of the
Germany army. 1t numbers millions.
ltaS any nation in the history of the
world been asked to place such force
as that, with all the lives involved,
uhder foreign general in preference
to ITS own? If you Americans had five
million men in arms would you go to
London or Paris for q commander in
chief: Has it occurred to your minds
what Canada and Australia and New
Zealand would say to this proposition
Change Often
Proves Necessary
After all, our allies have sometimes
had to change their generals. and SO
nave VIC. What right have VIC to as
sumo that supreme ability must be
found outside this or that country? A
joint war council is quite different
matter. though even here it is remem-
bered that political decisions at Yer
sallles were not in line with the aims at
Washington. 1t is so easy to call for
generallssimo. That is SO cheap a sub
stltute for wise, sagacious cooperation.
Bus an attempt to force Allied COM
mand on Britain would be to fly in the
face of deep sentiment; and even if the
attempt succeeded for the moment.
worse embarrassments would surely
follow. For how could you expect
France. on her side. to accept any gen
eralsslmo, for war mainly on her
own soil, save one nominated by her
sell and of French nationality?
When we come to strategy, it is OBJ
vlous that only the most general terms
can be employed. Broadly, Sir Douglas
lialg and Sir William Robertson stand
tor concentration on the Western
front. There is much to be said for
this point of view
Advantages
OF West Front
This Western front is nearest 10
England. which means yourselves. Op
eratlons there are thus least expensive
IN shipping. Moreover, a push-say,
from Salonica-cou be anticipated bv
germany through her exterior lines Of
communication. All that is truo
enough. but the Western theory NAV
be carried too far. think Mr.. Llovd
George was perfectly right in insisting
o., on inc defence of Italy and Venice.
., ne "esterners were all wrong when
tney Rrumbled because troops were
transferred from their favoritc area
1onu' nn: sSlnllariy, with regard to Greece.
rresldent Wilson's peace offensive NAV
1orestall German advance on Athens
bu' IN any case this little country
ought to be safeguarded adequately
against the fate of Serbia and Rumania.
FINALLY, the Westerners ought real
~, to drop the fatal optimism bv
Mhlcn' at Cambria. they were led into
.ne deluslon that they had the enemy
on the run, when the position was far
rom ron, secured. Mr.. Lloyd George has
TAXED about an impcnetrable front.
ana ,hls IS a serious estimate of the
slOuallon, beth Tor US and for the en-
envy do not pretend to know about
~ Dut can understand that some
corrective is needed for the military
tactics which assume that we shall |
Dreak througil-neXt week! Don't lct ,
US delude ourselves. Such a STRUGGLE
develops as the world has never known
even IN this war. The question wheth-
er this or tnat statesman or general
resigns or assumes responsibility is
neither here nor there The spirit If
lhe peoule is what ultimately matters.
ana you may rest assured that British
neasiness-not unnatural after This
se1ble serrlble ordeal,-does not imply any
relaXatlOn Of the will To ,,ictar. -