On Tuesday was published the first despatch written by Sir
Douglas Haig since he became Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in France. Unfortunately we have not space to give, as we should like, a full summary of this remarkable document, but we may say that it not only shows high soldierly qualities in thought and expression, but will, we believe, make clear to the public why Sir Douglas Haig was chosen to carry out the tremendous responsibilities and duties that have been placed upon him, He points out that the only assistance asked for by our Allies during the Verdun attacks was of an indirect nature— the relief of French troops on a portion of their defensive line. " This relief I was glad to be able to afford.", Then General Haig adds, with a touch of pride which no one will be found to call unjustifiable, that " this delicate operation " of taking out a great French army and putting in a great British one was carried out " with complete success, thanks to the cordial co-operation and goodwill of all ranks concerned and to the lack of enterprise shown by the enemy during the relief." Here is food for reflection for our pessimists. They are generally inclined to talk as if our Generals had a monopoly of mistake-making, and as if the Germans never lost an opportunity or did a foolish thing. Yet could there have been a greater lack of vigilance on the part of the Germans I Suppose they had fallen upon us at the moment of disintegration!
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