To the Last Man - Jeff Shaara [211]
Pétain shook his head, said, “Verdun was different, a different time, a different enemy. The Germans now possess far superior numbers, and can strike at any point along the entire front with a force such as we have not faced before. To subtract a large percentage of our front-line strength merely to assemble a large general reserve does not answer the question: How is this reserve to be employed? If the enemy causes a significant breakthrough in our lines, there may be no time to gather this reserve and organize them for an entirely separate attack. We require a defensive reserve that can be called upon locally, to stop a breakthrough when and where it occurs. General Foch, with all respect, if you can demonstrate the ability to accurately predict where the enemy will strike, then I will support your plan for a general reserve. I have seen no such ability in any of us.”
Haig stood up, said, “If we were to receive troops from other theaters of the war, from Salonika, from Arabia, then we could commence our own offenses. It would not matter what Herr Ludendorff had in mind. I for one am not disturbed by the reports of greatly increased enemy numbers. The greater their numbers, the greater will be their destruction.”
Pershing saw a slight wince on Robertson’s face. Of course, he has been hearing this sort of thing for a long time now. And all they have to show for Haig’s bluster are casualty lists.
Foch responded, “Marshal Haig, I am not referring to any offensive strategies on our part. I am focusing on a plan for counteroffensives.”
Robertson said, “You’re talking about whisking reinforcements from one end of the front to the other, depending on where the enemy attacks. Is that the best we can hope for? I do not believe that putting our troops in a defensive stance will prove successful. Surely we can accomplish more than this.”
“Not without the Americans.” The words came from Pétain, and all faces now turned to Pershing.
Robertson said, “I am tending to agree. So, General Pershing, perhaps you can enlighten us. What sort of timetable do you predict before your army will be an effective force?”
“By late this spring, we shall have sufficient strength to effectively man our designated sector. If you wish, I shall provide you with a lengthy list of challenges we have had to confront and overcome.”
Robertson said, “Certainly, General. But tell us, given the severity of the crisis before us, can we not persuade you that perhaps you should make the best use of the limited shipping to transport only those men who can immediately fill the lines? I have often thought it best if the Americans send infantry and machine gunners first, and save the rest of your personnel for later.” Robertson’s words hung in the room like smoke from a sour cigar.
“General, we have addressed these concerns repeatedly in the past.”
Pershing was surprised to feel a hand on his arm, saw Tasker Bliss rising beside him.
“I am certain, General Robertson, that General Pershing is open to any discussion that proves helpful to the cause of our allies. I believe it could be a positive boost for morale in both armies if American units were assigned to support their British brothers. Only good could come from such a plan.”
Pershing felt an explosion building in his brain, stared at Bliss, who seemed oblivious to what he had just said. Pershing caught a look of shock on Pétain’s face, said, “Excuse me, General Robertson, but General Bliss has apparently not been informed of the AEF’s official position on this matter. There has been