Paris, Aug. 1. duo the serene atmosphere of the Elysee, President Millerand often thinks, no doubt, of the appalling responsibilities and anxieties which were. his lot nearly eight years ago as Minister of War. We can guess the general nature of the communications which passed between him and the generals in command of the French forces, but it has been left for M. Jean Dietz (in an article on M, Millerand, published by the "Revue Franco-P2lge"') to supply details of these momentous messages. He tells us that, on August 29, 1914, four days after taking office, M, Millerand received a telephone message from the Commander-in-Chief, General (now Marshal) Joffre, informing him that large forces of the enemy were debouching towards Rocroi and that the French troops were falling back on Rheims. Next day, Gen. Joffre telephoned that the Germans might near Paris in four days and that the Government could not remain in the capital, Gen. Galliéni, whose duty it was to defend Paris, warned M. Millerand of what might happen. "Do you quite realize," he asked, "what the defence of Paris involves? J shall have to take action which may imperi) important public buildings and national art treasures. T may have to destroy the beautiful Pont de la Concorde, for instance, and perhaps the Chamber of Deputies.'' To this, M. Millerand replied, "You must do whatever you think it your duty to do."
On August 31, Gen. Joffre telephoned that the position was serious. Next day he was more hopeful and mentioned that he was preparing to attack. He already foresaw the possibility of deliver-" ing a blow at the German right wing and, as everyone knows, this is what actually happened. During the next few days he had several opportunities of engaging battle, but they were not good enough, and he bided his time. On September 9, after the movement of the German hosts towards the southeast had become unmistakeable, he telegraphed to M. Millerand, "Thg strategic position is excellent and we cannot expect anything better for our offensive. I have therefore decided. to attack. The struggle about to begin may have decisive results, but in the event of failure it may also have the most serious consequences for the country. I have resolved to throw all my forces into the scale, so as to obtain a victory, keeping none in reserve."'
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.