23 AUGUST 1919, Page 2

Numerous extracts have been published in British newspapers, and particularly

in the Times, during the week from General Ludeedorff's book about the war. It is evident that the inten- tier of tin3 book is to vindicate the soldiers at the expense of the civilian authorities in Germany. When one bears this fact in mind, a great deal that seems surprising in the book is instantly explained. Nevertheless, when all allowance has been made,

it is very gratifying to fmd the German Chief of Staff denouncing the muddlers and fainthearts in his own country by comparing with their futility the energy, and unwavering resolution of the British nation and its civilian leaders. One very important statement is that General Ludendorff had virtually abandoned all hopes of victory after the Battle of the Somme in 1916.