Greymouth Evening Star. TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1944. WAR CRIMINALS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 May 1944, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1944. WAR CRIMINALS.

’y’JIE shooting of at least 47 British airmen, including three New Zealanders, who tried to escape from a German pris-on-cam]), will arouse widespread indignation, but not surprise, as such murderous methods have been proved to be characteristic of the Germans —and Japanese too for that, matter. Those who suspect the atrocity allegations to be mainly Allied propaganda, have their answer in the statements by responsible eyewitnesses of Axis brutalities, which have been so numerous and consistent as to leave no doubt that wanton cruelty and needless slaughter are accepted by most Germans and Japanese as part of the war game. Isolated incidents of blood-lust might be dismissed as not indicting a whole nation, but the record of German-Japanese cruelties, in victory and defeat, is such as to arouse horror in the minds of all really civilised people, and will increase the difficulty of knowing what is the best plan to deal with the enemy after victory is won.

There are conflicting opinions about this among the United Nations, or at least, in the English-speaking section. The' others, notably Russia, France and Poland, have endured too much from the Germans to have merciful feelings towards them, and the Russians, particularly, will demand retribution of a stern nature. In the British Empire and U.S.A, one school of thought declares that Germany and Japan must be given every opportunity to rehabilitate themselves, they cannot be kept down, and unless really ’generous forgiveness is extended, the path will be prepared for another war, as soon as the Axis nations have recovered from the consequences of defeat in this campaign. The Divine decree to love one’s enemy is also quoted, and generally there is a disposition to forgive and forget the crimes of Nazi and Japanese alike. Against this attitude is the demand for avoidance of “wishy washy sentimentality,” and resolve that the war guilty must pay heavy penalties, if only to discourage later would-be Hitlers and Tojos. It is argued that future Avar will be inevitable if the Germans and Japanese are allowed early rehabilitation and the means to rearm and try again. As for loving one’s enemy, chastening is often proof of affection, and in this instance, the chastening cannot be excessive. At present, the majority are on the side of this latter class, even if few would go so far as to agree that the, only good Germans and Japanese are dead ones. Much thought is being given in Allies’ official circles as to the method of dealing with the principal enemies when these are finally conquered. “Unconditional surrender” has lost some of its early appeal, but the occupation of Berlin and Tokio is agreed to be necessary. How long such occupation will be, what troops will be employed, and who will pay the expenses, are among the questions not yet answered, but upon the replies •will depend any effective occupation. Australia and New Zealand have certain responsibilities in this matter, and must decide if these are to be evaded, leaving to Britain, U.S.A, and Russia the task of preserving peace in the future. The Overseas Dominions cannot demand rights of status and equal partnership if tliey are unwilling, or unable, to take a full share of the work and expenses involved. The future peace of the Pacific cannot be maintained by pious resolutions or nebulous pacts. It will be a long job to purge Japan of militarism, or Germany of the belief in race-domination, and will require equal co-operation from all the United Nations to be successful. Unless success is achieved, the present struggle will not prove to beMhe Avar that ended war.