Lord French has made some interesting statements in an inter-
view with Mr. Edward Price Bell, the London correspondent of the Chicago Daily News. Mr. Bell asked whether Lord French thought the small neutral countries were in danger of being over- run by the Germans. " I certainly think so," was the answer. Lord French explained that fortification and spade-work were of more importance now than at any previous period in military history, and if fresh populations were impressed into German service as labourers this would add immensely to the strength of the German fighting fronts. " If Germany," asked Mr. Bell, " were to give Holland, Denmark, Norway, and perhaps Sweden the choice of joining her or being subjugated, what would be the effect upon Germany's military position ? " Lord French replied that the strength of Germany would be increased in proportion as her strength has been increased by impressing the populations of the smaller countries she has already conquered. It was possible that Germany when sinking would seize on little States as though they were lifebuoys,
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