But it was not until 1907, when Foch was fifty-six, that he at last received the rank of Brigadier General, with an assignment to the General Staff at Paris. With this belated appointment it seemed that the tale of his military career was told. Fate had more than one surprise in store, even then, however.
The position as head or Director General of the École de Guerre was vacant. A keen rivalry arose among several Generals for the appointment, but Foch did not present his name. He belonged to the wrong party, the Clerical, or Church Party, and the Anti-Clericals were then in power. Clemenceau was Premier, this being his first term.
One day Foch was surprised by being invited to dine with the Premier. When he arrived he was still further surprised to note that he was the only guest. The "Tiger" did not broach the subject of the invitation until the coffee cups were cleared away. Then he said abruptly, and apropos of nothing that had gone before:
"I have some news for you, General. You are appointed Director of the
École de Guerre."
"But I am not a candidate, sir," replied Foch, taken completely by surprise.
"Possibly not," replied the Premier drily, "but you are appointed nevertheless, and I am sure you will do good work there."
"I thank you for the honor," said Foch with some embarrassment, "but aren't there—difficulties? I am a Churchman, you know."
Clemenceau laughed.
"Probably you are not aware," continued Foch, finding it difficult to proceed, "that one of my brothers is a Jesuit."
Clemenceau laughed again.