Hart's analysis is undoubtedly correct. However, as big a blockhead as Haig was, I wonder if he would have launched the attack if he truly believed success was unlikely.

Basically it seems as though those in charge held the opinion that failure to attack by the beginning of July would have led to a rapid German victory the the East and the West.

Which, considering what did happen over the next 30 to 75 years, may or may not have been a good thing for the future of Europe.