consummate skill
and calm courage of the Commander in Chief himself, [cheers,] in the
conduct of this strategic withdrawal in the face of vastly superior
forces. His Majesty's Government appreciate to the full the value of the
service which Sir John French has rendered to this country and to the
cause of the Allies, and I may perhaps be permitted here and now, on
their behalf, to pay a tribute to his leadership, as well as to the
marked ability of the Generals under his command, and the bravery and
endurance of the officers and men of the expeditionary force.

The German Retirement.

As your lordships are aware the tide has now turned, and for some days
past we have received the gratifying intelligence of the forced
retirement of the German armies. The latest news from Sir John French
does not materially change the published statement describing the
military situation. In his telegram Sir John reports that the troops are
all in good heart and are ready to move forward when the moment arrives.
The gallant French armies, with whom we are so proud to be co-operating,
will receive every support from our troops in their desire effectually
to clear their country of the invading foe, and the undaunted and
vigilant activity of the Belgian Army in the north materially conduces
to this end. I would also like to take this opportunity of offering our
respectful congratulations to Russia upon the conspicuous successes
which have added fresh lustre to her arms. Although, therefore, we have
good grounds for quiet confidence, it is only right that we should
remind ourselves that the struggle is bound to be a long one, and that
it behooves us strenuously to prosecute our labors in developing our
armed forces to carry on and bring to a successful issue the mighty
conflict in which we are engaged.

Troops in the Field.

There are now in the field rather more than six divisions of British
troops and two cavalry divisions. These are being, and will be,
maintained at full strength by a steady flow of reinforcements. To meet
the wastage of war in this field force our reserve units are available.
To augment the expeditionary force further regular divisions and
additional cavalry are now being organized from units withdrawn from
oversea garrisons, whose places, where necessary, will be taken by
territorial troops, who, with fine patriotism, have volunteered to
exchange a home for an imperial service obligation. On their way from
India are