BORROWED PLUMES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24613, 22 May 1941, Page 6

BORROWED PLUMES

The uniform of the New Zealand forces has been put to a new and corrupt use in the war which is now being fought out in defence of honour and freedom. In the parachute invasion of Crete many Nazi troops have been reported as wearing uniforms of the New Zealand pattern. Teutonic thoroughness being what it is, the similitude will no doubt have been skilfully achieved, with a nice regard for the details of rank and insignia. There has been no indication as yet as to the nature of the reception which the Anzacs are according such of these visitors in borrowed plumes as may have fallen into their hands. The New Zealand fighting man has the reputation of being a tolerant, and even friendly enemy, when he has his antagonists at a disadvantage. And in that position the most unabashed Nazi soldier must inevitably find himself, if he becomes a prisoner while clad in the uniform of his captors. Even warfare has rules, and the use of enemy uniforms is a breach of the stern code of combat. That fact will not worry the Nazi command. The German War Manual provides that “ every means may be employed without which the object of the war cannot be obtained,” and this brief definition unquestionably can be made to cover every refinement in deception. In the invasion of France and the Low Countries, again on the Greek mainland* German soldiers were reported in every variety of habiliment, military or civil, that might give them opportunity to further the Trojan Horse technique of warfare by which conquests—but not triumphs—may be achieved. But while the High Command may be indifferent alike to international law on this subject and- to the fate of men captured in enemy uniforms, the captives themselves cannot but be uneasily aware that the proper punishment for their offence is execution. Whether this is the fate which will meet them cannot be conjectured. Circumstances must, of course, influence the decision of the British authorities. But one thing is certain. Men who are willing to associate themselves with an illegal act, in knowledge of its consequences, in the hope thereby of spreading uncertainty and confusion amongst the enemy, cannot expect to be treated otherwise than as dangerous and despicable. They are become a part of the most ruthless and opportunistic war machine the mind of modern man could evolve. If they are dealt with summarily, their deserts are just. If leniency is shown to them, they may consider themselves fortunate in falling in with men with a tradition more honourable than their own.