asses depuis deux heures, je ne
crois pas possible actuellement d'envisager une manoeuvre d'ensemble
sur la Marne avec la totalite de nos forces. Mais j'estime que la
co-operation de l'Armee Anglaise a la defense de Paris est la seule
qui puisse donner un resultat avantageux dans les conditions exposees
par la lettre ci-jointe que j'adresse a M. le Ministre de la Guerre et
dont j'ai l'honneur de vous faire parvenir la copie.

"Veuillez agreer, Monsieur le Marechal, l'expression de ma haute
consideration et mes sentiments de cordiale camaraderie."

I replied as follows:--

"Mortcerf,
"September 3rd, 1914, 12 noon.

"To the Commandant-en-Chef from Field Marshal Sir John French,
Commander-in-Chief, British Forces.

"Dear General,

"I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your very kind and
cordial letter of September 2nd (3332).

"I felt some considerable hesitation in putting forward my views as to
the general trend of the future operations, and I am much indebted to
you for the kind and friendly support which you have accorded to my
expression of opinion.

"I have now received your 'Instruction No. 4' and your 'Note pour les
Commandants d'Armee' of September 2nd, and I completely and clearly
understand your plans and the part you desire me to take in carrying
them out.

"You may rely on my most cordial co-operation in every respect.

"My troops have very much appreciated the kind consideration you have
shown them in sending so many decorations for distribution.

(Signed) "FRENCH."

I touch with some diffidence on less agreeable features of this
memorable discussion in Paris.

Lord Kitchener arrived on this occasion in the uniform of a Field
Marshal, and from the outset of his conversation assumed the air of a
Commander-in-Chief, and announced his intention of taking the field
and inspecting the troops.

On hearing this, the British Ambassador (Sir Francis, now Lord,
Bertie) at once emphatically objected, and drafted a telegram to the
Foreign Secretary stating clearly and unmistakably his views, and
demanding instructions. He gave this despatch to Lord Kitchener to
read. The latter then asked for my opinion, and I said my views on the
subject coincided entirely with those of the Ambassador.

After some discussion, the Secretary of State decided to abandon his
intention, and the telegram to Sir