GERMAN'S VIEW OF BRITAIN

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LXII, Issue 76, 23 September 1941, Page 3

GERMAN'S VIEW OF BRITAIN

A correspondent recalls the estimate of England given by the eminent German scholar Dr. Wilhelm Dibelius in his book, "England," published in 1930. He wrote: England quietly grows, waving its flag as seldom as possible. . . .

When it does hoist its flag the place generally happens to be some sterile promontory or cape which represents no great loss ,to the Power that yields it up but gives a most powerful position into the hands of a naval nation. ... Britain is the solitary Grea,t Power which has never injured the vital interests of another European people by annexation, and it is a fact of immeasurable moral effect in a, period dominated by the principle of, nationality. England is the single country in the world that, looking after its own interest with meticulous care, has at the same time something ,to give to others, the single country where patriotism does not represent a threat or challenge to the rest of the world. Britain is the solitary Great Power with a national programme which, egotistic through and through, at the same time promises to the world as a whole something which the world passionately desires —order, progress and eternal peace.