BATHE OF THE MARNE.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17221, 3 October 1927, Page 2

BATHE 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 the 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 Nudant 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, ancj Marshal (then General) .Toi'fre, 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, and to prevent the line being cut or interfered with by unauthorised persons, an official was listening-in and noting every word that passed. "Walt a Moment." The following conversation took place:— Gallieni: Is that you, Joffre? Joffre: Yes, speaking. Gallieni: I have just learned that the Germans are marching 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." General Joffre seemed to be reflecting. "Just wail a moment," he said. The fine was kept open, but only a confused buzz was heard for 10 minutes, during which Generals Gallieni and Joffre handed the receivers to their aides-de-camp while they thought over the matter. Ten minutes passed and General Gallieni returned,to the telephone. "Joffre! Joffre! Are you Inhere?" he asked anxiously. For another few minutes there was no reply. Then Geenral Joffre picked up the instrument and shouted: "Yes, I am going to give battle!" Gallieni:-Is that 0.K.? Joffre: Yes. • Gallieni: Good. I am attacking. Order to Attack. 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 ju tgment when he answered: "Just wail a moment!" —for he had to consider the' situation as a whole and decide whether all his elements, including the British army, were in a position to face about and march forward while General Maunoury hurled himself upon the enemy's flank.