The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1931-08-13

inactive Vosges front, and five Ameri-
can divisions from the British area
were designated to be sent to that
quiet sector to relieve French divi-
sions. The assembly of four Ameri-
can divisions in aid of the French on
that front would more than Offset
their recent losses.
General Petain, in his letter accept
ing my offer, said in part:
81 must express my deep gratitude
for the prompt and very important
aid you are bringing in the present
crisis. The American troops already
engaged in the battle are the unani-
nous admiration of the whole French
army. The power of the effort which
your country is at present showing,
as well as the resolute and generous
spirit with which you enter the
struggle, is for the allies-and above
all for France-a comfort in the
grave times through which we are
passing, and a pledge Of hope for the
future"
What if Paris Should Fall?
Leaving the suggestion with General
Petain, without further discussion,
returned to Paris, arriving June g.
The next morning called on Premier
Clemenceau, and on that morning the
fourth phase of the great German Of
fensive started between Montdidier
and the Disc. Reports indicated that
it was meeting considerable success.
Mentioning this to NJ. Clemenceau.
l asked him what he thought would
be the result if Paris should fall.
NJ. Clemenceau replied that he and
Mr.. Lloyd George had considered that
possibility, and had reached the con-
clusion they would do everything in
their power to save Paris, but if it
should be lost they woulj 60 on fight
ing.
"Above Paris is France" he added,
land above France is civilization"
AS / was leaving he came to the
door with me, and 1 said: 1T may
not look encouraging just now, but we
are certain to win in the end" He
chung to my hand and in a tone that
showed the utmost solicitude he re-
piled: do you really think that?
am glad to hear you say it."
This was the first and only time
that I ever sensed any misgiving in
the mind of this resolufe man. Not
withstanding our occasional rather
heated discussions on the use to be
made of American troops, l admired
him greatly. 1t always seemed to me
he represented the true spirit of con-
fidence and courage of the French
people.
then motored to General Foch's
headquarters at Bombon. We consid-
cred my proposal to form an Ameri-
can corps near Chateau Thierry. to
which he readily agreed He spoke
especially of the fine work of our
troops.
l asked how a German drive which
threatened or perhaps captured Paris
would affect the armies and the peo-
pie. His reply was almost word for
word like NJ. Clemenceau's. They had
evidently discussed the possibility of
losing Paris. He. too, was certain the
armies would 60 on with the war.
Foch spoke so positively and with
such evident feeling that was moved
to get up and shake his hand.
Concentrate West of Marine.
Meanwhile the Fourth and Twenty
eighth divisions, en- route from the
British front to the northeast Of
France were stopped at General
Foch's request in the vicinity of VIII
lers Cotterets, the object being to con-
centrate several of our divisions on
the west of the Marne salient, pri-
marily as precaution against anoth-
er German offensive there, but ulti-
mately for possible use on the often
sive. The Second. Third, Twenty
sixth and Forty-second were in that
area and with the Fourth and Twenty
eighth there was force equivalent to
twelve French divisions, although
some Of these units were without
artillery.
An encouraging circumstance at the
moment was the success of the French
in holding Won Hutier's attack on the
Montdidier-Noyon front. This fourth
phase Of the German offensive was an
effort not only to widen the vulner-
able Marine pocket but to secure the
railway between Compeigne and Sois-
sons and open the way to Paris.
The anniversary of the arrival of
our advance contingent in France was
the occasion of many congratulations
on the part Of the French.
CHAPTER XLW
The demands for American divi-