THE LATE EARL HAIG

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22412, 7 May 1936, Page 15

THE LATE EARL HAIG

Sir, —I have read considerably of the operations of the Allied forces, especially on the western front in the Great War, but Haig's diaries as published in your paper are the most instructive, invaluable and illuminating. In your last contribution it is stated that Haig's Diary ends abruptly on November 11, the day on which the Armistice was signed. "The great soldier's work was done." The concluding reference is worth relating. "There was no trite moralising, no smug experiences of self-satisfaction, no paean of triumph over the great victory. What ho had further to say upon the subject was said that night on his bended knees." How very fortunate the British Empire was in having such a great man to lead, direct and command during those momentous months before the collapse of the German attack and retreating defence. Haig's Diaries clearly indicate that his greatness lay in his clear conception of his duties as a man, soldier and leader, and his wide grasp of the vital considerations of the Allies' critical and desperate position, his clearness and promptitude in arriving at and executing decisions, his power to choose men that he could rely upon, his moral courage in upholding the rights of the British forces when opposed and confronted by French political and military indecisions, and, lastly, his fortitude and honourable military sagacity in calmly passing over the snubs from British politicians and disrated military officers and so conducting his military operations that as Commander-in-Chief he would take full responsibility, win or lose. His Diaries clearly demonstrate what little reliance can be placed on the writings and expressions of opinions of men and officers who only had a limited and incomplete knowledge of the full operations of the forces. So-called historians from second-hand knowledge have tried to arrive at conclusions which have not been fair, just, or honourable to those who were entrusted with great responsibility, such as Earl Haig. There is no doubt that he was responsible for and should be credited with the successful outcome of the result of the Great War, thereby securing to the Empire security and safety which included our continued freedom and liberty. Let us honour his memorv accordingly. Auckland can do its share in showing in a small way our gratitude to the memory of such a great and noble personage by naming the proposed park at Waitakere suggested by Mr. H. E. Vaile. "the Haig National Park." Civis.