BATTLE OF THE MARNE

Taranaki Daily News, 18 October 1927, Page 14

BATTLE OF THE MARNE

NEW LIGHT SHED ON IT PARIS SAVED BY PHONE TALK. JOFFRE’S 2 a.m. DECISION. A new and dramatic version of how the vital decision to turn and assume the offensive when Ute fate of the Western world hung in the balance at the height of the Battle of the, Marne on the night of December 4. 1914, is given by General Nndanl. in the Paris Temps. The general's reason for adding to the list of the decisive battles of the world the action which saved Paris from the invader is based upon notes taken by an official “listening-in” to a conversation between General Gallieni, Military Governor of Paris, and Marshal (then General) Joffre, records of which still remain in the archives of the telephone administration. At 2.10 a.m. on December 4, 1914, the Military Governor of Paris rang up French General Headquarters, ami to prevent the line being cut or interfered with by unauthorised persons, an offical was listening-in and noting every word that passed. The following conversation took place:— Gallieni: Is that you, Joffre? Joffre: Yes, speaking. Gallieni: 1 have just learned that the Germans are macliing on Meaux. Joffre: Ah! Gallieni: What are you going to do about it? Are you going to give battle? • / Joffre did not reply, and Gallieni went on in an irritated voice: “What are you waiting for? It is now or never. lam going to attack now.” Gefiei’al Joffre seemed to be reflecting. “Just wait a moment," he said. The line was kept open, but only a confused buzz was heard for 10 nnntues, during which Generals Gallieni mid Joffre handed the receivers to their aides-de-camp while they thought, over the matter. Ten minutes passed and General Gallieni returned lo the telephone.

“Joffre! Joffre! Are you there?” he asked anxiously. For another few minutes there was no reply. Then General Joffre picked up the instrument and shouted: “Yes, I am going to battle!” Gallieni: Is that 0.K.? Joffre: Yes. Gallieni: Good. lam attacking. At 2.55 a.m. that day written orders were sent from Joffre to General Maunoury, whose army had been hastily concentrated on von Kluck’s right flank, ordering him to move eastward at once and attack the enemy. The Battle of the Marne had been won for the Allies. Deducing the lesson of this new evidence. 'General Nudant says: “In face of the cold energy of a Gallieni, who could only judge the position on his own front, Joffre showed the most remarkable caution and shrewd judgment when he answered: “Just wait a moment!"—for lie had to consider the situation as a whole and decide whether all his elements, including the British army, wore in a position to face about and inarch forward while General Maunoury hurled himself upon the eneniv's flank.