CONDITIONS IN GERMANY

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25086, 18 January 1947, Page 3

CONDITIONS IN GERMANY

Sir, —“Practical” evidently does not know that the people in Britain themselves recently brought such pressure to bear upon their Food Minister that he allowed their request to be free to send food parcels to Germany. The decision was greeted with cheers in the House of Commons, as indeed it deserved, for it represents one of the few hopeful signs of the times.. In the face of such a gesture of the people of Britain, “Practical,” enjoying this lancr of plenty, needs to remember that there are worse things with which to be blinded than “sentiment.” Those of us who have added our “mite” in this direction towards the rebuilding of international friendship realise that it can never be more than that. .The humanitarian and psychological value of such gifts, however, cannot be measured. To the Christian there is also added his Lord’s approval, which to him is his meat and drink.—Yours, REV. ANDREW J. JOHNSTON. January 17, 1947.

Sir,—No one is suggesting that “Practical” himself should send parcels to Germany. It may not have occurred to him that others have loved ones there, to whom they would gladlv send the necessaries of life, as well as sending comforts to friends in England. Two wrongs do not make a right. Conditions in Germany are largely due to our adoption of the wholesale bombing of the civilian population, with a complete disregard for all considerations of culture and humanity. This was not a measure of reprisal, but a major instrument of strategy. Not every German was on the staff of Belsen. The man in the street in every country at war does what he is told, without either knowledge of what is going bn elsewhere or power to do anything about it. The name of the sentiment for which “Practical” has no use is charity.— Yours, etc., M. A. A. ALLFREY. January 17, 1947.

Sir,—People, who send to England will understand how I feel towards my husband’s people, who have suffered under the Nazis for so long. There are many in need, especially the little children. What have they done? Are we building faith in their minds or creating bitterness there? I know many wlto ar®, only too willing to send a parcel, even to some unknown- child, if only they were permitted to do so. —Yours, etc., A NEW ZEALANDER. January 17, 1947.