ABSTRACT
Relations with the new ally, the United States, were also proving problematic. At first, Haig was impressed by the Americans. General Pershing, the Commander-in-Chief, was ‘most anxious to learn’ and had a ‘quiet, gentlemanly bearing – so unusual for an American’. In the past, Haig derived solace from external problems by immersing himself in his wonderful Army. By late 1917, however, British morale seemed less resilient than it had once perhaps been. On Derby’s urging, Haig rushed to London in order to monitor the situation more closely. Upon his arrival, he learned from Derby that the War Cabinet was determined to replace Robertson. For the meantime, Haig preferred a more subtle political role. During the second visit to London, he was able to convince Derby, who was bent on resigning, that ‘in the interests of the Army there should be no change’.
