THE EMDEN’S VISIT

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 225, 19 June 1929, Page 13

THE EMDEN’S VISIT

Sir,—With regard to your article on the visit of the German cruiser Emden, I agree with the principle that we should not cherish rancour for ever, particularly with individual Germans, who were no more responsible for the war than individual Britishers. I also agree that we should work to make peace possible, and to avoid the causes of future warfare. I cannot, however, agree that you have established parallels between the visit of the eminent violinist, Kreisler, to England: the Duke and Duchess of York to Germany, and the visit of the warship Emden to New Zealand.

Had Kreisler goose-stepped on to the stage in full dress uniform of an Austrian captain, and acknowledged possible applause with a military salute, or had the Duke of York patrolled Berlin in ’an armoured car, complete with machineguns and a three-pounder, your parallel might have been more exact. The ob-. vious discrepancy occurs when a oncemilitarist nation, now beaten and ostensibly reformed, sends as a friendly ambassador to its late enemies, the very essence of militarism in the form of a warship.

Another point ‘of view as between nations is the point of view of the tradesman who, hampered by his bad debts, can afford only the cheapest seat at the pictures, and who, looking around, sees his worst customer, who can’t pay a penny in reduction of an account for necessaries, eating expensive chocolates in the most exclusive seat in the theatre. Germany can’t pay her war indemnities and can build and run cruisers. Kreisler. seeing you mentioned him. speaking as master of a voice beloved wherever art is appreciated, was an excellent ambassador of peace. Von Huenfeld end K<>ehl, airmen who took desperate risks in company with an Irishman, were others. Fraulein Aussem, fine tennis player and splendid sport, is the same; nor does Germany lack for representatives who could merit appreciation and affection without flaunting that militarism which caused so much just detestation prior to the end of the war. Had Germany sent, in place of the Emden, a delegation of her musicians, scientists, traders, or sportsmen, with an exhibition of her many excellent product?, I could have welcomed them heartily, though \tjje war has condemned me to suffer for the rest of my life, but I detest the results and the eight of militarism, particularly German and could never tolerate it in welcoming the Emden, the visit of which I regard as a stupid and impudent blunder.—-U am, etc.? FOUR BLUES. Wairoa, June 13.