The session of the Supreme War Council of the allied Governments, held
at Versailles on June 4, 1918, was attended by the Premiers of Great
Britain, France, and Italy. At the close of its deliberations it issued
the following statement:
The Supreme War Council held its sixth session under circumstances
of great gravity for the alliance of free peoples. The German
Government, relieved of all pressure on the eastern front by the
collapse of the Russian armies and people, has concentrated all
its effort in the west. It is now seeking to gain a decision in
Europe by a series of desperate and costly assaults upon the
allied armies before the United States can bring its full strength
effectively to bear.
The advantage it possesses in its strategic position and superior
railway facilities has enabled the enemy command to gain some
initial successes. It will undoubtedly renew its attacks and the
allied nations still may be exposed to critical days.
After a review of the whole position, the Supreme War Council is
convinced that the Allies, bearing the trials of the forthcoming
campaign with the same fortitude as they have ever exhibited in
defense of the right, will baffle the enemy's purpose and in due
course bring him to defeat. Everything possible is being done to
sustain and support the armies in the field. The arrangements for
unity of command have greatly improved the position of the allied
armies and are working smoothly and with success. The Supreme War
Council has complete confidence in General Foch. It regards with
pride and admiration the valor of the allied troops.
Thanks to the prompt and cordial co-operation of the President of
the United States, the arrangements which were set on foot more
than two months ago for the transporting and brigading of American
troops will make it impossible for the enemy to gain victory by
wearing out the allied reserve before he has exhausted his own.
The Supreme War Council is confident of the ultimate result, and
the allied peoples are resolute not to sacrifice a single one of
the free nations of the world to the despotism of Berlin. Their
armies are displaying the same steadfast courage which has enabled
them on many previous occasions to defeat a German onset. They
have only to endure with faith and patience to the end to make
victory for freedom secure. The free peoples and their magnificent
soldiers will save civilization.
[Illustration: The scene in the Coliseum at Rome on April 7, 1918, when
the Italian official celebration of the anniversary of America's entry
into the war took place
(_Photo Audigier_)]
[Illustration: The third anniversary of the sinking of the Lusitania
May 7, 1915. Three large graves at Queenstown, Ireland, where 178 of
the victims were buried
(_British Official Photo from Underwood_)]
A supplemental official statement announced that the following
declarations had been unanimously agreed to by the Premiers of the
three nations:
The creation of a united, independent Polish State, with free
access to the sea, constitutes one of the conditions of a solid
and just peace and the rule of right in Europe.
The Allies have noted with satisfaction the declaration of the
American Secretary of State, to which they adhere, expressing the
greatest sympathy with the national aspirations of the Czechs and
Jugoslavs for freedom.