We'll have to depend on you." I told him that such a remark might well be accepted in some quarters as a British surrender.

Then he came up to the scratch: "Surrender?
Never." But I fear we need--in some practical and non-ostentatious way--now and then to remind all these European folk that we get no particular encouragement by being unduly leaned on.
It is, however, the weariest Christmas in all British annals, certainly since the Napoleonic wars.

The untoward event after the British advance toward Cambrai caused the retirement of six British generals and deepened the depression here.

Still I can see it now passing.

Even a little victory will bring back a wave of cheerfulness.
Depression or elation show equally the undue strain that British nerves are under.