FRICTION IN HIGH PLACES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17982, 26 December 1918, Page 4

FRICTION IN HIGH PLACES.

The assertion that there is either friction between Mr Lloyd George and Sir Douglas Haig or that the former, through jealousy, has studiously avoided giving tho famous Field-Marshal credit for leading the British troops in France to victory, makes very unpleasant reading to the public. The cabled advices have not yet given sufficient details to enable an unbiased opinion to be formed, but from the evidence available it is at least evident that the British Prime Minister, whilo eulogising the fighting spirit of our army and navy, has said little of the leader of tho British armies in France. The layman can easily realise that amongst those in high places there is bound to be friction, and at times even enmity, but for some reason he finds it' difficult to understand the possibility of an eminent statesman of the stamp of Mr Lloyd George wilfully giving tho cold shoulder to Britain's great soldier. The record of Sir Douglas Haig is in itself evidence of the gigantic work that he has accomplished, and even commendation from England's Premier could do little to enhance a career already brilliant. Throughout the five continents the name of the British Commander-in-Chief i 3 familiar as a household word. According to cabled reports, the chief bone of contention is alleged to be the matter of the authorship of the idea of a unity of command. This, however, seems too trifling a - reason for two such giant intellects to fall out, for tho appointment of a generalissimo of an allied army, has been tried successfully in previous campaigns. There is obviously something deeper behind the scanty information flashed over the wires, but whatever the reason may bo, the people of England wilji not fail to show their appreciation of the services rendered to the country by the great Field-Mar-shal when he rides in state through tho streets of London on the occasion of peace celebrations there. On "that day the people's voices will be raised to acclaim the heroes of the fighting services and those who have led them to victory, aDd no leader will receive ft greater sharp of public honour and gratitude than Sir Douglas Haig.