23.
The Cathedral of Rheims was not used as a mark for a systematic
bombardment. During the last few days the French had strengthened the
fortress to defend their present position, and consequently the German
bombardment became necessary. Orders had been given to spare the
cathedral.
If it should prove true that during the fire the cathedral suffered,
which cannot be yet ascertained, nobody would deplore it more than
ourselves, but the French who made Rheims a fortress in support of their
defense line are alone to blame.
* * * * *
THE DAMAGE DONE.
Official Report Made by Whitney Warren to the French Government, Sept.
28.
On Friday, Sept. 25, I received word from the embassy that the French
Government had made arrangements to take me to Rheims in order that I
might make a report on general conditions and especially upon the
cathedral. So at 8 o'clock the next morning I started off with two
automobiles under the escort of Capt. Henri Charbonnel, accompanied by
two soldiers; one automobile, conducted by Mr. Hall of New York,
containing Major Morton Henry, Major Cosby, and Lieut. Boyd of the
embassy.
We followed the route direct to Meaux, then to La Ferte-sur-Jouarre,
from there to Chateau-Thierry, where we picked up a third automobile
containing Capt.
Pages:
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567