After the welcoming ceremony, Kitchener and Haig immediately returned to the British Expeditionary Force Command located at the seaside villa.
They had invited Pershing, but Pershing insisted on staying with his own soldiers.
"I must share the same living conditions as them, Your Excellency Marshal," Pershing replied, "This is my principle."
(Note: Pershing's style of military leadership was "strict with himself" and also "strict with others." His demands for military conduct and discipline were so stringent that it was considered intolerable, earning him the nickname "Terrible Jack" from his subordinates.)
Kitchener courteously expressed his understanding and even offered a compliment, but inwardly he felt Pershing was finding an excuse to decline.
Upon returning to the command, Kitchener could no longer suppress his emotions and erupted. He took off his general's hat and harshly tossed it onto the sofa, cursing:
"How dare they!"
