The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-09-17
Kipling's Criticism Brings To Light Real Manner tn
 Which Big War Was Ended
Americans Opposed Favorable Terms for Germans In- stead of Demanding Them-General Haig Would
 Have Let Former Enemy Have Easier Peace

sion at the armistice table and to give the text of the famous memo randum by General Bliss, which SC often has been referred to and which would have imposed real humiliation upon the enemy. General Bliss ob- jected to the "softness" of the French and British terms.
 There Is a popular supposition fin some euntries-evidently England among them-that President Wilson dictated the terms of the armistice, both to the allies and to the Ger mans. The truth is that the Presi- dent studiously insisted from the beginning the armistice will be con- ciuded only if the militay advisers and the allied and associated gov ernments deem 1t possible from tho military point of view" In transmit ting the German appeal for an armi- stice to the European allies, Presi- dent Wilson asked two questions;
 Regarding the peace, and in view of the assurances given by the chan cellor, are the associated governments ready to conclude peace on the terms and according to the principles al- ready made public?
 Regarding the armistioe, and if the reply to the previous question is in the affirmative, are the associated eOfSi hihCHlb Tcduy lo ahK Lnelr mlt1- tay advisers and the military adyis- CTS of the United States to submit to them the necessary conditions which must be fulfilled by an armi- stice such as will protect absolutely the interests of the peoples concerned and to assure to the associated gov- ernments unlimited power to safe guard and impose the details of the peace to which the German govern- ment has consented, provided always that the military advisers consider such an armistice possible from bilitary point of view?"
 Sent to Foch
 Now as to the narrative of the armistice. The above correspondence was passed along to Premier Clem- enceau, Tiger of France;" to Mar shal Foch, the allied supreme com mander. Foch summoned General Petain. commanding the French ar mics; Haig, commanding the British, and Pershing, commanding the Amer ican forces. At this first conference no voice was raised against an armi- stice.
 Sir Douglas Haig was the first to speak. He stated the British posi- tion calmly and briefly.
 The armistice should be con- cluded." he said, "and concluded on very moderate terms"
 The British field marshal potnted out with perfect frankness that Ger man resistance was not broken, that the armies had been withdrawing. but were fighting bravely and re- tiring in good order. Marshal Haig argued that Germany should be giv- en terms which she could accept He said the allied armies had been Astf fighting of September and October. and that reorganization all along the line was necessary. AS to tho general terms. Sir Douglas though that if Germany were compelled to give up Alsace and Lorraine, to evac- uate immediately all occupied terri tory and to restore all rolling stock taken from France and Belgium, these results would be evidences of 9 complete allied victory. General Haig thought 8 oonciliatory spirit should be adopted so as to prevent further prolongation of the war
 As the British commander finished this candid statement, Marshal Foch turned toward General Pershing. As the junior present, Pershing very promptly and very properly said he would prefer that General Perain speak for France. Then he would state his own position.
 The French eternal thought of protection from Germany immedi- ately finds expression from General Petain. Germany must not only evac- uate Nall occupied territory, but her armies must withdraw beyond the Rhine. leaving the allies in possession of the left bank, holding all bridge heads. He further says that the German evacuation must be fast enough to prevent their remova, of sufficient war material with which to resume ,hostilities. They should give up all their guns except carry ing arms; at the same time deliver ing 5000 locomotives and 100000 cars.
 When he finished the Atatement of his terms. General Petain with a shrug of the shoulders said he TO- garded them as essential but he did not believe the Germans would ac- cept.
 General Pershing thereupon said his ideas coincided exactly with those of the French commander.
 Marshal Foch next day trans mftted his idea of the armistice teams to Premier Clemenceau. They