I need not retell the story of the British expeditionary force in
France, which has been read and appreciated by us all in Sir John
French's dispatch. The quiet restraint of his account of their
achievements only brings into relief the qualities which enabled our
troops successfully to carry out the most difficult of all military
operations. There is, however, one aspect of this feat of arms upon
which the dispatch is naturally silent. I refer to the 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.
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