Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 1945. “CONSIDER THE VERDICT."

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 March 1945, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 1945. “CONSIDER THE VERDICT."

*J*HE invasion of Germany from East and West is bringing close the day when the question of dealing with the chief Nazi war-criminals will have to be j decided and not, as hitherto, merely debated. Periodically, there have come expressions of opinions as to what punishment should be inflicted on Hitler and his fellow-gangsters, and the treatment of the German people generally. The majority of Allied nations have been in favour of the punishment being severe. In Britain what has been termed “VansiL tart ism” has met much support, and also considerable criticism. Some Church leaders have advocated stern justice, but others have urged mercy. Conservatives have been less lenient in demands than have Labour delegates. Generally, the attitude has been to postpone a decision until the Allies were in a position to enforce their will. That' day is fast arriving. The time has come to consider the verdict. The Archbishop of York, in the House of Lords debate on the subject, this week, did not favour any “turning of the other cheek,” but went so far as to urge that Hitler and his fellow-leaders should be executed immediately, without trial, after capture. He would have scarcely more mercy shown to those Germans guilty of atrocities, but would not exact tragic vengeance on the bulk of the German people, beyond what the war’s ravages have inflicted. The Archbishop will shock many other Church dignitaries, Anglican, Roman, Greek and Free, but his is probably as the voice of the majority of the British people, and perhaps also of most Overseas dwellers. New Zealand will have a say in the policy concerning the warguilty. Is the Archbishop’s sternness supported, or is this Dominion all out for mercy? This is becoming a nation of sentimentalists as is evidenced by its laws regarding capital punishment, flogging and birching, military defaulters, and m other ways. Is similar forbearance to be granted to the Germans, so far as New Zealand is concerned? The present Ministry may support an affirmative answer. Lord Lovat, the commando and scout leader, is hoping the Russians will get to Berlin first, and do what is desirable, this inclination to shelve on the Russians an unpleasant duty is widely shared. There is little prospect of the Red Army adopting a “beg-pardon” attitude when dealing with the Nazis. Mr. Stalin has-made it clear from the beginning that full ietribution will be exacted by the Russians, whatever Britain and U.S.A, may do. ie Russian aim is not only righteous ven-o-eance, but prevention of future wars. J N believed that the more the Germans suffer in this conflict, the less inclined wi lhev be to trv again. In previous wars instigated by them, the Germans have got oft comparatively lightly. That mis ,a vt must not be repeated. Hearts must be hardened, any pity for the sufferings o m Germans being swamped by recollection of the terrible tragedies, sufferings,

losses German war-lust lias inflicted c other people throughout the world. B Archbishop of York displayed moral courage in demanding the death pena y without formal trial, and his lead should be Empire-wide followed.