Despite the changes that had occurred in the upper military echelons in 1917 and 1918, the man commanding the BEF had somehow managed to survive. Lloyd George had plenty of cause to give Haig the boot, particularly after Cambrai, but as we have already noted, shrank from doing so for one reason or another. The issue emerged again in the second half of July, mainly because new leadership was desired in anticipation of the campaign for 1919. Lloyd George never had much use for Haig, was convinced that he was obstinate, used unimaginative tactics and showed little interest in avoiding heavy casualties. Other factors now came into play. The prime minister resented that Haig would not join him to induce Foch to place American divisions in his sector, thus freeing British troops to assist in his plan to protect and expand the empire in the east. This brought up a related point, namely, that Haig was certain to collaborate with Foch to prevent the removal of British troops from the western front.

The prime minister felt that the scorching indictment of Haig by Borden and the other Dominion prime ministers provided him with enough justification to sack Haig. He raised the matter at the meeting of the X Committee on July 16.