General Petain, who shared with General Nivelle the glory of
the immortal defence of Verdun; has been appointed.Chief of the General Staff of the French Army at the Ministry of War. The post, which corresponds closely to that occupied by Sir William Robertson, is practically anew creation. In peace time the post of Chief of the Staff belonged to the Generalissimo. The French General Staff is presided over by the War Minister, being composed of ttvelve Generalte constituting the Conseil Sitperienr de la' Gireire, acting in an advisory capacity. It has- now been found. necessary' to cen- tralize in Paris. the direction of the war in all theatres, instead of recalling. Commanders-in-Chief from various portions of the front whenever competent military advice was needed. M'. Pairdeves selection of General Petain for this post, with the full approval of General Nivelle, has given satisfaction to the nation as well as to the entire Army. General Petain'e war record is unsurpassed, and it is generally admitted to be duo to character quite as much as to military talent.
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