World War, 1914-1918 -- Campaigns -- Western Front; World War, 1914-1918 -- Great Britain
There is nothing to add to what has been known from the beginning
about the relations of the soldiers of both countries. Even before
the military prowess of Great Britain had been proved on the field of
battle, her collaboration in this war was desired by our soldiers and
civilians alike. We will always remember with emotion the fateful days
of 2nd and 4th August--when we asked ourselves, "Will England fight
with us?" Then, when that foolish Emperor of Germany talked of General
French's "contemptible little Army," we had in France the presentiment
that the British Army would be able to take its revenge.
Recent events have confirmed the early promise of fine achievements;
the battle of the Marne, the two battles of Ypres, Neuve Chapelle,
Loos, the Somme, and the Ancre have sealed the friendship of the two
armies.
Equally courageous and loyal, sharing the same ideas about the original
aims of the war, enduring the same hardships, patiently bearing common
misfortunes, and jubilant alike over common victory, the Tommy and the
"Poilu" have become "chums" that will be difficult to separate.
Two sorts of "_agents de liaison_" have helped in the good work--these
are the French interpreters and the Staff officers of the French
Mission to the British Army.
The former, a goodly number, well chosen, well-bred, and well
educated, have been, each in his own unit, sowers of the good seed of
Franco-British friendship.
The latter, a very small number (the result of careful sifting), having
a consummate experience of war, most of them possessing honourable
wounds, highly educated, some writers of reputation, known all over the
world--such as the author of "_Quand on se bat_"--deserve our utmost
thanks for their work with our Allies which they have carried out so
brilliantly.
The question of the relations of the British Army with the civil
population is delicate in appearance only. As a matter of fact, a
mutual goodwill from the very start has removed all suspicion of
awkwardness and strain.
The danger was obvious. In the records of history it is impossible to
find a case of a country tolerating without a murmur the presence of
a foreign army, even an allied army. This miracle has been rendered
possible by the goodwill of the French, fully understood and recognised
by our friends, and by the tact and common sense of the British.
Far from assuming an attitude of conquerors, which would most certainly
have estranged the sympathies of the patriotic inhabitants of
North-West France, the British have rigorously respected our manners
and customs.
Our administrative organisation has been maintained. We have still
our prefects and sub-prefects, our tribunals, justices of the peace,
savings banks, postal services and schools, living in absolute
independence in the midst of the British war machine.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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