Part 27 (1/2)

KING AND PRESIDENT MEET

An Historic Gathering--In which King and President, Joffre and Haig Take Part--His Majesty and the Little French Girl--I Am Permitted to Film the King and His Distinguished Guests--A Visit to the King of the Belgians--A Cross-Channel Journey--And Home.

I heard that night that the King was going to meet M. Poincare, the French President, at the house of Sir Douglas Haig, and very possibly General Joffre might be there, as well.

In the morning there was an excellent light, the sun was blazing; and at 9 a.m. sharp we started off, the royal car leading. By cutting across country I was able to save a considerable distance as I wished to get there first, in order to film the arrival.

The chateau was a typical French one, not very large, but situated in a charming spot, seemingly miles away from such a thing as war. Everything was as peaceful indeed as if we were at home in the midst of the beautiful Surrey Hills.

Yet in this scene of profound peace the rulers of England and France, with the leading Generals, were meeting to discuss the future policy of the greatest and most b.l.o.o.d.y war of all time.

I took my stand on a gra.s.s patch in a position that commanded views of both the main gates and the entrance to the house. Lining the drive from the main gates were men of Sir Douglas Haig's regiment, the 17th Lancers, standing to attention, their lance points glistening in the sun.

The sentries at the gates came smartly to the salute as the royal car, in which were the King and Sir Douglas Haig, drew up. I started turning as he entered the gates. At that moment a little French girl ran out with a bunch of flowers and presented them to the King, who, smiling, stopped and patted her cheek, pa.s.sed a remark to Sir Douglas, and then proceeded down the lines of troops, and entered the house, the Prince of Wales following close behind.

Shortly afterwards a signal was given. His Majesty and Sir Douglas came down the steps and reached the gates as the car, bringing M. Poincare, the French President, and General Joffre, drew up. What a scene it would make.

M. Poincare came first, and was warmly greeted by the King. He was immediately followed by General Joffre, and an incident then occurred which took ”Papa” Joffre unawares. For the moment he was perplexed. The same little French maid ran out with another bunch of flowers and offered them to the General.

”No, no,” he said, ”not for me, give them to the President.”

But the child thought otherwise. She intended that Papa Joffre, the idol of France, should have them. He must have them. But no; the General, taking the child gently by the arm, led her to where M. Poincare was speaking to the King and Sir Douglas Haig, and drew their attention to the child. They all smiled, and were greatly amused by the incident.

Then the little one gave her flowers to the President, who taking them, stooped and kissed her forehead, and the little one satisfied with her success ran away.

The President, not knowing what to do with the flowers, looked around for an officer to take them to his car, but General Joffre, antic.i.p.ating the desire, called up his A.D.C. who took them away. The party then moved into the house. General Foch also entered with the Prince of Wales.

After the lunch and conference, word was sent in to Colonel Wigram who endeavoured to persuade the King and M. Poincare to pose for a short scene on the balcony. Word came back that they would do so.

To fix my camera up on the balcony was the work of only a few seconds.

The King came out through the French window, followed by M. Poincare.

They were both smiling and seemed to be very interested in the coming experience.

”Where do we go?” said the King.

”Would your Majesty stand over there?” I said, pointing to one end of the terrace. They stood there side by side, King and President laughing and chatting. While I turned on them, General Joffre came out.

”Come along, Joffre, you stand here,” said His Majesty, ”and you there,”

he said laughingly to General Foch. Sir Douglas Haig then came out and stood at the end of the line.

For fully a minute they stood there, making a scene, the like of which I had never dreamed.

King, and President, and Generals, who held in their hands the destiny of the world. I continued turning, until His Majesty, thinking I had enough, withdrew, laughing and chatting by the camera, followed by General Joffre, Sir Douglas Haig, and General Foch.

By this time my spool had run out, so quickly changing I got round to the front of the house to film the royal party leaving.

After they had all gone, I heard that Mr. Lloyd George was on his way up from Paris. How late he was, one officer was saying: ”We expected him before this.” Hearing that I decided to wait. About half an hour later, up he came in a great hurry, and I just managed to film him as he left his car and entered the building.