GERMAN "FRIENDSHIP."

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16405, 27 December 1918, Page 5

GERMAN "FRIENDSHIP."

One of the neutral writers on the war who observed the doings of the Germans during the days of the early occupation of i'rance, has told a story which is so characteristic of tne Hun mentality as to be worth repeating. A chateau had fallen into the hands of the invaders. The unfortunate owners watched the stripping of their walls and rooms without nope, until suddenly there came upon the scene a German officer whom they had known in tho past, whom they, had entertained in their home, and to whom they had shown every courtesy. To this officer they at once appealed, with the result that he requested them to accompany him round the house, and to point out every article of more than 'ordinary value which they desired to at their fortune in finding -their friend, they -proceeded to pick out the real treasures of the chateau. When the labour was complete, and I: these treasures had-been 1 carefully selected' - collected,. their late guest calmly turned to his soldier servant, and directed him to have these carefully packed, and despatched to his address in Germany. That was the German method of returning old friendship and courtesy.