The Clemenceau version that the discussions between Revertata
and Armand were proceeding on his entry into office is
incorrect. Not until January, 1918, did Armand, this time on
instructions from Clemenceau, again get in touch with Revertata.
The thread had been broken in August, 1917, and was therefore
again taken up by Clemenceau himself in January, 1918.
From this fresh contact there resulted the discussions referred
to in the official communiqué of April 4, 1918. It is, however,
correct that Count Revertata handed to Major Armand on Feb. 23,
1918, the memorandum regarding which Premier Clemenceau only
cites the first sentence and which confirms that in the
discussions with Armand, which had taken place in August, 1917,
Revertata was charged with the task of finding out whether
proposals were obtainable from the French Government, which had
addressed to Austria-Hungary an offer of a basis for a general
peace, and also whether they would be such as Austria-Hungary
could bring to the knowledge of her allies.
It, therefore, entirely corresponded with the facts when Count
Czernin in his speech on April 2 last declared that Premier
Clemenceau, some time before the beginning of the western
offensive, had inquired of me whether I was prepared for
negotiations and on what basis.
The accusation of lying brought against Count Czernin by M.
Clemenceau cannot therefore be maintained, even in the
restricted sense made by the present communiqué of the French
Government.