FOCH IN LONDON.

Dunstan Times, Issue 2989, 29 September 1919, Page 8

FOCH IN LONDON.

Marshal Foch was most enthusiastically welcomed by the City of London lately, when, accompanied by Central Weygand and other distinguished French generals, he drove in a state carriage Irom the Carl ton Hotel to the Guildhall to receive the honorary freedoii ol the city, the streets were gaily decorated, and were packed with cheering crowds. The famous French soldier was received with load and prolonged cheering, the hands playing the “Marseillaise’ when Hie entered the Guildhall, where there was a large and distinguished company, includiiig Prince- Arthur of CouuaughC M. Paul Gambon, French Ambassador, FieldMarshal Karl Haig, Field-Marshal Sir Henry Wilson, General Sir Tan Hamilton, Admiral Sir Kosslyn Wemyss, Mr Winston Churchill, Minister for War, Mr Long, First Lord of the Admiralty, Mr Harries, and other members of the Government. . . The address conferring the freedom ol the city described Marshal Foch as a heroic figure, and a model for future generations of soldiers. It paid a tribute to Foch's brilliant part in the war, his stern sense of duty, his patriotism, and his supreme knowledge of the science ot war. and declared that he had earned the gratitude of millions and the honour and glory of his unparalleled success. The address asked Marshal I'oeli to accept a. copy of a. resolution of the Court of the Common Council voting him a sword ot honour as a token of their piofound admiration lor his brilliant services to Frame and the world. (Loud

cheers). The King conferred on Focli the rank of a British Field-Marshal. In acknowledging the freedom of Hu: city and the sword of honour, the .Marshal speaking in French paid a great tribute to the valour of the British soldiers, and still more to the British generals, especially Field-Marshal Fail Haig, and also to’ the wonderful work of the classes in Britain in pro viding the Allies with abundant guns and munitions.

Dealing with the great German offensive of March 21, 1918, Focli remarked that the British armies, though very exhausted, fought as brilliant a rearguard action as had ever been fought. Focli also paid an eloquent tribute to the, magnificent, qualities of the British and Dominions' armies in the great conn ter-aHacks after August, 1918, and said that their dash and bravery were unsurpassable. ? They never stopped smashing the Germn war machine and would have gone through to the .Meuse or the Rhine but, for the armistice. (Loud cheers.) Koch's tribute to the British and Dominions’ war elicits were couched in the most glowing terms. For example, referring to the early days of (h.e war. he said : “.At Ypivs, in 1914. did I not see the first British corps resist victoriously the enemy's violent attacks, despite the erne]lest losses.'

‘•On the Somme, in 1916. your armies gave proof of incomparable ardour, and their gallantry was shared by the Dominions’ contingents. • As for your materialgums, annnumtioii, (gas, aeroplanes, and tanks—of what a magnificent volume of production did your country not show itself capable.' After describing how France, bleeding sorely and tired, struggled with similar energy. Focli said; “Aftei that, who could doubt the outcome of the war. Once the justice of history was to give its ever unquestionable judgment, namely, that nations are clearly invincible when having sufficiently advanced on the road of civilisation, they consecrate, without reserve, their moral and material resources ami all their energies ill the struggle for liberty against peoples fighting for domination.” ...... Referring to Field-Marshal Laid Haig, Marshal Focli said that he spared more than any other general the lives ol Ins mm. , “What interviews we luid dining Ukw last six months!” said booh. Be from Iho north and I from the south, despite (he great distances and fatigue, sought cadi other like two big brothers in order to live ill (he closest intimacy, and ensm (>, By absolute community ol ideas, the more and'move rapid march of om armies. "We bad so to force events that on November 9 T sent to Haig the following telegram, feeling certain .1 should be lovallv followed by him and Ins armies: 'The disorganised enemy, owing to repeated attacks, has given way along (he whole fvuul. It, is essential that we should maintain and accelerate our operations. 1 have called upon the energy and dilative of our commanders-in-chief and their armies in order to secure ami render decisive the results obtained.’ Marshal Foch concluded ‘ Let us salute (he glorious dead who sleep in hj ranee. Faithfully, piously, and jealously we shall guard them and keep their memory alive, because to us they arc a testimony and a pledge.”