I enclose you a paper which I wrote three years ago, which seems to have been borne out by the course of events, and which I hope will continue to be confirmed. In case any further difficulties arise, and you think I can be of any use, you have only to send for me, and subject to the naval situation I could reach you very quickly by motor-car or aeroplane. It is hard sitting here day after day with so many friends engaged. The resolution of the nation is splendid. It is a different country to the one you left.... God guard you and prosper our arms. FRANCE, _September 6, 1914_. _Sir John French to Mr. Churchill._ Thank you very much for your kind and encouraging letter. It was a keen pleasure to hear from you and to read your words. I have had a terribly anxious time and the troops have suffered severely, but they are simply _glorious_! I think you have heard me say that I would be ready to take on any enemy in Europe half as strong again. I say that more than ever _now_! I can’t find words to say all I think of them. There has been some extraordinary misunderstanding at home as to my relations with General Joffre, the French C-in-C. We have been on the very best terms all through, and he has spoken most kindly of the help he has received from us. I can’t understand what brought Kitchener to Paris. I am writing to you as one of my greatest friends and I know you’ll let me write freely and privately. His visit was really most unfortunate. He took me away from the front to visit him in Paris on a very critical day when I should have been directing the operation most carefully, and I tell you between ourselves _strictly_ that when I returned to my Head-quarters I found a very critical situation existing (8 p.m.!) and authoritative orders and directions badly needed. It was the day when the Guards and a Cavalry Brigade were so heavily engaged. I do beg of you, my dear Friend, to add one more to all the many great kindnesses you have done me and _stop this interference_ with field operations. In reply I sent further explanations which, aided as they were by victory, proved acceptable. _Sir John French to Mr. Churchill_. GENERAL HEAD-QUARTERS, BRITISH FORCES, _September 10, 1914_. Thank you, my dear Friend, with all my heart for your truly kind reply to my letter, and also for your previous letter of the 4th. I fear I was a little unreasonable about K. and his visit, but we have been through a hard time and perhaps my temper isn’t made any better by it! However, as usual, you have poured balm into my wounds—although they may have been only imaginary—and I am deeply grateful.