[Quick set up: During what is commonly known as The Great Retreat during the opening phases of the First World War, the French and British forces have been pushes back by the advancing German armies. Before the Allies were able to turn the German tide, it has been claimed that the Germans came so close to Paris that they could see the city on the horizon.]
September 5 seemed a darker day to the Allies. With nothing but defeats so far, their representatives met in London that morning to sign the Pact binding each other “not to conclude any separate peace in the course of the present war.”
In Paris, Maunoury asked Gallieni, “In case we should be overwhelmed, our line of retreat will be…?”
His eyes clouding over, Gallieni answered, “Nowhere.”
Source:
Tuchman, Barbara W. "Gentlemen, We Will Fight on the Marne." The Guns of August. New York: Macmillan, 1962. 475. Print.
Original Source Listed:
Gallieni Parle, 57, n I.
Further Reading:
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