THE GREAT WAR, 1917

The Prime Minister made Douglas's task very difficult by
complying with all that the French asked for. Douglas
considered he had acted without safeguarding the interests
of the British army* Next day the news from France was
good. The Canadian troops had made a successful attack
north of Vimy and had taken much ground* Meantime the
weather had improved a little and we were able to play some
golf during the next two days. I think probably that this
relaxation helped Douglas quite a lot during these difficult
days. We also saw a good deal of his brother Bee (Captain
Haig), who often joined us on the golf course. On the 2ist
Douglas's brief holiday came to an end and he said good-bye
to the children, who were returning to Wales the following
day. We went to London and stayed in my flat because
Douglas had to interview many people at the War Office
before he returned to France- He left London the following
day and Henrietta and I saw him off at Charing Cross.

On his return to Montreuil Douglas found it was bitterly
cold: so cold, in fact, that when he lunched outside from his
luncheon basket the water froze in the tumblers that he and
his staff used. Douglas started immediately he got back to
prepare plans for the future and had long discussions with
his C.G.S. General Kiggell. He ascertained exactly the man-
power and supply of ammunition with a view to the defences
on each army front. He was very distressed to find that
everywhere a great deficiency in quantities was shown. The
railway situation, too, was again very serious and he con-
ferred with General Nivelle in an attempt to try and im-
prove their working. It was decided to appoint a French
engineer to go round and discover where the real fault lay
and report on the matter* Douglas also discussed his future
plans for attack with General Nivelle and came to a very-
satisfactory understanding with the latter.

Meanwhile the proposed attack on Vimy Ridge by the
Canadians was in preparation, but the question arose