Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1945. AFTER THE SURRENDER.

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 May 1945, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1945. AFTER THE SURRENDER.

JNTERESTING disclosures about the war happenings may be reasonably expected in due course, some perhaps surprising and some unwelcome. Strange claims may be made, and propaganda will not cease from troubling. One fact is clear to-day and will remain so, and that is, to quote General Eisenhower, that “On land and sea and in the air the Germans were thoroughly whipped.” After the 1914-18 defeat, the German High Command denied that their forces had been really overcome. They blamed the civilians for the national reverses. This claim was accepted by mostGermans, and inspired them to support Hitler and others who preached a war of revenge and world domination. The Allies during 1914-18 made little direct attack on Germany, and the subsequent occupation of the Rhineland was peaceful. Under the circumstances, it was not surprising that the German people were unimpressed and were eager to have another try. Statements are coming freely from captured German army-leaders, regarding their own part in the recent campaign and their attitude to Hitler and the Nazis, generally. Each of the prisoners is endeavouring to make his own case good, but none so far, has suggested that the German Army was not completely defeated. This must be emphasised on the German people, as well as the destruction of Berlin and other main cities, as proof that Avar does not pay. Other nations, too, Allied and Axis, would do well to realise this. It is to be hoped that to-day’s good behaviour of the conquered Germans, and especially that of their former leaders, will not cause the Allies to forget and forgive their war guilt, concentration camp horrors, wanton bombings, and mass slaughters. Any undue respect for persons will nullify the lessons taught by the punishment inflicted on districts. Service chiefs are proverbially disinclined to be severe on defeated opponents, and this fact makes it desirable for civilians to be prominent in the Courts trying the war-criminals. The belief that the Red Army when Berlin was taken would indulge in excesses has proved erroneous, and this encourage.?, those who believe that the Russian postwar policy will be co-operative, and not dictatorial. The Russian losses have been tremendous, and if some of the figures quoted are exaggerated, there is no doubt that Russia will require a long period of peace before her recovery can be complete. Russian susceptibilities are being carefully studied by Britain and U.S.A., a diplomacy that is to be praised. There are limits, however, as the Anglo-American stand on the Polish question proves. The question most Allied people are asking, today, about Russia is whether she will declare war on Japan. The U.S.A.-British forces are strong enough in themselves to defeat the Japanese, but if the Red Army also joined in, the struggle would be ended much quicker, and many lives saved. Russia is unlikely to launch an attack on Japan, until the Anglo-American armies are also ready to land in force on the enemy home territory.