I have a question: Who would have been the most prominent socialist/communist leader in Paris at this time. I know one Jean Jouret was a prominent leader but was assassinated prior to the war beginning?
Chapter 17: The Marne Disaster (Part 6)
August 18, 1914; Paris: It is not until 1 A.M. that the messengers sent by Foch and Langle reach Joffre’s headquarters in Paris. They have had to make their way past looters and rioters that have run amok in the streets.
Joffre has been waiting anxiously for news of the offensive. With communications cut with the front he has been out of touch for most of the past day.
The report from Foch and Langle causes the General to slump into his chair in shock. After several minutes he drafts an order to be sent to the two generals.
Langle and Foch are to disengage and withdraw their troops into Paris proper. Joffre believes Paris is far more defensible then their present position. There is more cover for the troops and Joffre believes he can turn the maze of streets into defensive positions the Germans will have difficulty taking. Joffre believes by turning Paris into a fortress he can hold out until the BEF is ready to begin its offensive to relieve the city.
Joffre swiftly sends word to President Poincare’ of his intentions. He then sends word to the head of the Paris garrison and to the Commissioner of Public Safety. At dawn all prisoners in the jails are to be put to work preparing barbed wire emplacements at the major intersections of the city. Artillery will be positioned at key points to provide fire support.
Joffre also sends word to requisition every motor vehicle available to move the French troops back to Paris, this includes trucks, private cars, taxi cabs, whatever is available. The vehicles are to be requisitioned at gunpoint if necessary. But he wants them ready to move at first light.
The messengers whom Langle and Foch sent are told to report back with Joffre’s orders. But it will take them the rest of the night and most of the next morning to reach Langle and Foch’s positions.
In the meantime, the police force in Paris is hard pressed to deal with the various rioters and looters that have now taken over the streets.
Brussels: Early on the morning of the 18th the British ambassador to Belgium meets with King Albert. Although France has declared war on Belgium, her ally England has not yet done so, and Belgium has, surprisingly not declared war on England or France.
At the meeting the British ambassador once more appeals to King Albert to reconsider his decision to allow the Germans free access through Belgium. He offers British aid in “retaking” Belgium from the “German occupiers.” King Albert however is clear, he does not want his nation to become a battlefield. As long as the Germans continue their good behavior Albert sees no reason to change his decision.
The British ambassador expresses sympathy for Albert’s difficult decision. But he does warn that if the situation in France continues to deteriorate Britain may have to “reevaluate its present relationship with Belgium.”
The King fully understands the implications of this.