WAR MEMOIRS OF DAVID LLOYD GEORGE 1917

472 WAR MEMOIRS OF DAVID LLOYD GEORGE
we could spare neither guns nor men for Italy. The communication
is so characteristic of his general attitude that
it is worth reproducing:
"War Office,
Whitehall, London, S.W.
17th August, 1917
"To:
His Excellency Lieut-General Count L. Cadorna, G.C.B.
"My Dear General,
"You are probably aware that at the recent Allied Conference
in London, of 8th August, 1917, the following resolutions
were agreed to:—
"(1) The representatives of the three Governments agreed
that the British, French and Italian General Staffs should be
directed:
(a) To consult as to the operations which should be
initiated with a view to striking at Austria and as the best
time to begin such operations;
(b) To advise as to the theatres where, during the
winter months, substantial results can be achieved, and as to
the best methods of obtaining those results;
(c) To consider how to provide more heavy guns for
an Italian offensive, either out of existing stocks, or by the
creation of new stocks;
(d) To advise the Governments at their next informal
meeting as to the result of their consultations.
"(2) It was decided that a further meeting of representatives
of the principal Allies should be held in Paris between
10th and 15th September.
"(3) My views on the points upon which the Allied Governments
require information are as follows:
(a) I understand the term "striking at Austria" to
mean dealing Austria such a decisive blow as would induce
her to make peace. It is clear that the only front from which
there is any prospect of the Allies being able to strike such a