The papers of Monday published two intensely interesting despatches from
Sir John French, dated September 17th and October 8th respectively. They continue the story of the great retreat from August 28th, and describe the victory of the Marne, the subsequent pursuit, and the stubborn stationary battle of the Aisne. On August 29th the British Force, with the newly formed 6th French Army hidden away on its left, was still being most hotly pursued. On that day General Joffre visited Sir John French. "I strongly represented my position to the French Commander-in-Chief," says Sir John French, "who was most kind, cordial, and sympathetic, as he has always been." General Joffre said that the 5th French Army would attempt to check the excep- tional pressure on the British, and it was arranged that the British should make a further short retirement towards Compiegne. French troops on the right of the 5th French Army gained a considerable victory that day, but it was still part of General Joffre's cool strategy not to make use of the advantage. The pressure on the British was relieved, but, as a matter of fact, a general retirement was still conducted from day to day, General Joffre drawing the enemy on and waiting till he should find himself in a really favourable position to take the offensive. As the communications with Havre were no longer safe, the British base was changed to St. Nazaire, on the Bay of Biscay, and an advanced base was established at Le Mans.
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