WAR MEMOIRS OF DAVID LLOYD GEORGE 1917

354 WAR MEMOIRS OF DAVID LLOYD GEORGE
for the Ypres salient was a deathtrap. Moreover, the Ridge
could be captured entirely in the course of a single attack,
and the success could be rendered very much less costly
because the element of surprise would be introduced through
the springing of the mines under the German trenches.
The Messines attack was a clean victory, in the sense
that it was a victory without any qualification or reserve.
The objectives — the real objectives — were attained up to
the last entrenched ruin and concrete machine-gun emplacement.
The casualties were comparatively light. The operation
was conducted with great dexterity and precision, and
much credit is due to General Plumer and his Staff for the
way the attack was planned and carried out.
Soon after the Messines victory, the Commander-in-
Chief and the Chief of the Staff for the first time placed the
whole of their plans for an extended offensive before the War
Cabinet. A Committee of the Cabinet had been appointed on
June 8th, 1917, to consider War Policy on all fronts — sea
and land. It consisted of Lord Curzon, Lord Milner and General
Smuts, with myself as Prime Minister in the Chair. Up
to that date, the Flanders project had never been submitted
to the examination of the Government by the Chief of the
Imperial General Staff or the Commander-in-Chief. It was
understood that G.H.Q. had such a project in contemplation,
but, to use the Commander-in-Chief's words, it would not be
undertaken "unless the situation was sufficiently favourable
for it when the time came."
On June 19th, a meeting of the Committee was held
to discuss the matter. Sir Douglas Haig was brought over
to explain his plans. Sir William Robertson also attended
as the Chief of the Imperial General Staff.
It is recorded that the Committee examined a raised map
which Sir Douglas Haig had brought with him, and the
Field Marshal explained his plans in full detail.