"If it is your desire to speak with the commander-in-chief," he said to the Germans, "his excellency will grant you a brief interview. But he is very busy, so you must be brief."
He spoke to the commander-in-chief, who laid down a sheaf of papers and rose to his feet.
Marshal Foch and the Germans saluted stiffly. Introductions followed.
"You must be brief, gentlemen," said Marshal Foch. "My time is valuable."
"We have come," he said quietly, "to learn on what terms we may accept the armistice you have offered."
"Armistice?" repeated Marshal Foch, "I have made no offer of an armistice."
"Enough of this subterfuge," said Marshal Foch sternly. "It is my understanding that you come hither to request an armistice preliminary to negotiations for peace. If I am mistaken, we are losing valuable time."
Marshal Foch saw plainly through the Germans’ plan. It was to make it appear that the armistice had been offered by the allies, and not sought by the German high command. The French commander-in-chief realized, too, what effect this would have on the German people. It would bolster their flagging courage and might possibly result in many more months of war.
"It is idle to argue," said Marshal Foch. "As I say, I understood that the German high command seeks an end of this war. If so, I shall be glad to state my terms. If not, I shall order an advance along the whole front within two hours."
The German delegate to whom had been assigned the role of spokesman bowed.
"It is our misfortune, sir," he said, "to ask for an armistice, in order that negotiations may be begun to put an end to further bloodshed."
"That is different," said Marshal Foch. "In that case, I shall be glad to state my terms. Briefly, they are these: That Germany immediately surrender to the allies quantities of arms and ammunition, the amounts to be determined later; that a certain number of war vessels and other ships, including submarines, be turned over as evidence of good faith; that German troops, in a specified time, shall withdraw to the east banks of the Rhine. In a word, I demand such sacrifices as will preclude the possibility of Germany renewing the struggle."
The German delegates uttered exclamations of protest.