Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1945. CAMP HORRORS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 April 1945, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1945. CAMP HORRORS.

■pERRI RLE stories of brutalities and atrocities inflicted by Germans and Japanese on helpless captives have been cabled of late. The almost incredible details of blood lust and savagery have caused some to suspect propaganda, and to believe that the allegations are grossly exaggerated. Unfortunately, there is too ranch impartial and authoritative evidence to the contrary, and it is doubtful' if the worst, will ever be known. The cruelties have been practised throughout the war, demonstrating the inherent viciousness of the German and Japanese characters, and stressing the need for really stern future measures against the Axis people. vVdditionally, emphasis is laid on the cause for thankfulness New Zealand and other Empire countries have that they escaped the horrors of enemy occupation. Occasionally, the margin was close.

Some discussion has arisen regarding the wisdom of the Press publishing camp-hor-ror stories, it being urged that this publicity adds to the mental strain and anguish of those who have relations or friends among 11i>e prisoners of war still held by the enemy. There is no desire on the part of newspapers to increase the distress and anxiety naturally fi’lt by the relations of the captives, but war is war, and its horrors cannot be wisely ignored or hidden. Throughout the past five years, on land, sea and in. the air, tragic toll and sufferings have been inevitable, and had to be accepted as courageously as possible. Publication of Axis brutalities should strengthen the determination of those on the home fronts Io continue to do their utmost to smash the enemy’s powers for evil. The effect on the actual servicemen was tersely expressed by a U.S.A, soldier who after inspecting a, German concentration camp commented : “I was never so sure before exactly what I was fighting for.”

Not only in concentration camps were Germans and Japanese sadistic monsters. From every occupied country come proofs of widespread daily brutalities against the civilian populations. There is no need to go into details, hut it is lamentable that supposedly civilised nations could act. as the Germans and Japanese have. The Allies are liberating country after country, but this is only the beginning of their' 1 work'. Food is essential, with every other u(‘ee»isity in keen demand. UNRRA is busy on its gigantic task, but with the best will, skill, and supplies available, cannot hope to do much, meanwhile. Each of lhe stricken coiintrrcs believes that its own plight is the most serious and urgent, and this competition for relief adds to the difficulties. Some lands, such as Holland, are known to be in desperate situation. ;\s the country is liberated, more supplies will reach the starving people. Britain and U.S.A, are playing a major part in this “Santa Claus” programme, but it is the duty of all happily-placed lands to contribute their utmost to the assistance of the stricken Europeans. Is New Zealand doing as much as she could and should ? Sympathy with the victims of Axis brutality must take practical shape to be of any use. This is a truism, often expressed before, but the fact, it is necessary to repeat it is a reflection on this Dominion’s response.—or lack of it.