"When the German delegation came to Marshal Foch at the end of the war to ask for armistice terms, the Frenchman picked up a paper from his desk and read a set of conditions.

"'But -- there must be some mistake,' the leader of the German officers stammered in dismay. 'These are terms which no civilized nation could impose upon another!'

"'I am very glad to hear you say so,' replied Foch gravely. 'No, gentlemen, these are not our terms. These are the terms imposed on Lille by the German commander when that city surrendered.'"