Concentration between two of the rivers was, as a defensive, beyond question the best measure in the situation. A mere defensive, however, would be tantamount to a confession that the whole expedition against France had proved a failure. Undoubtedly, therefore, as the later events show, the design was, at the earliest moment, to resume the offensive by means of masses of reserves. These, pivoting upon Noyon, at the western end of the fortified line, might sweep round and, by threatening to envelop the Allied armies compel their retirement. Conversely, the Allied tactic was plainly to envelop the Germans and to threaten their main communications through Belgium. The question now was: Which side could carry out its manoeuvre first? FOOTNOTES: [16] The Italian historian, Signor Guglielmo Ferrero, has expressed the opinion that the Battle of the Marne has altered the face of European history. There is little doubt that time will prove this view to be fully justified. [17] An official British note on this retreat stated: "Many isolated parties of Germans have been discovered hiding in the numerous woods a long way behind our line. As a rule they seem glad to surrender. "An officer, who was proceeding along the road in charge of a number of led horses, received information that there were some of the enemy in the neighbourhood. Upon seeing them he gave the order to charge, whereupon three German officers and 106 men surrendered." [18] An interesting sidelight on the German movements is afforded by these particulars given on official authority:-- "At Villers-Cotterets, though supplies far in excess of the capabilities of the place were demanded, the town was not seriously damaged. The Germans evacuated the place on September 11th in such haste that they left behind a large amount of the bread requisitioned. It was stated by the inhabitants that the enemy destroyed and abandoned fifteen motor-lorries, seven guns, and ammunition wagons. "At Crepy, on Sept. 3, various articles were requisitioned under threat of a fine of 100,000f. for every day's delay in the delivery of the goods. The following list shows the amounts and natures of the supplies demanded, and also the actual quantities furnished: REQUISITIONED. SUPPLIED. Flour 20,000 kilos. 20,000 kilos. Dried vegetables 5,000 " 800 " Coffee 1,000 " 809 " Salt 1,000 " 2,000 " Oats 100,000 " 55,000 " Red wine 2,500 litres. 2,500 litres. All smoked meats, ham, cloth, } new boots, tobacco, biscuits, } 61 prs. of boots. handkerchiefs, shirts, braces, } 91 bicycles. stockings, horse shoes, bicycles,} 15 motor tyres. motor-cars, petrol. } 6 inner tubes. [19] See Appendix, Despatch of Sir John French, Oct. 8, 1914.