France, Tuesday, 4th August

Morning Poincaré is worried that the British have made no commitment to send the BEF to France. He writes to King George requesting him to send British troops to cover the French left flank as the Germans attack through Belgium.

3.00 P.M. The President has no right to address the National Assembly and Poincaré’s speech is read out for him in both houses. It stresses the defensive nature of French policy and claims France represents liberty, justice and reason. He calls for a union sacrée. In the Chamber of Deputies the entire assembly gets to its feet and cheers his words. He doesn't mention Alsace and Lorraine.