A GERMAN GENERAL'S VIEW.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 September 1915, Page 11

A GERMAN GENERAL'S VIEW.

ASTONISHING POLICY. General von Diffurth, of the Chief Headquarters Staff of the Gentian Army, makes the following astonishing statement in the Hamburger Nachrichtcn. lie says: "The charges of barbarism and cruelty levelled at our troops by foreign critics do not merit the least consideration. Frankly, we are barbarians, if by this word wo designate those who make war inexorably to the last extreme.

''lt is incompatible with the dignity of the German Umpire, and the high traditions of the Prusisan Army, to defend our brave soldiers against the accusations of foreign and neutral Powers. "We have to give satisfaction to no one.

"We have nothing to justify and nothing to explain. "Every and any act committed by our troops, no matter of -what nature it may be, 'having the object of disanimating, routing, and destroying our enemies, is a dignified and legitimate act of war aiul perfectly justifiable. There is no reason for us to be inconvenienced with what other countries think or s«y about us. "We most, certainly must not bo affected in our policy by sentiments manifested by neutral countries.

'•Germany is the supreme arbiter of all methods she may use in time of war and impose upon the world. "It does not matter iu the least, if ail existing monuments, works of art, and the finest buildings erected by the greatest architects the world has seen, should be destroyed, if by this destruction we ensure Germany's victory over her enemies, who have sworn to completely annihilate her.

"11l time of peace we might perhaps consider the loss of sueli things, but at the [present moment, not even one word of regret, uor a thought, should be given to this matter.

"War is war, and as such must be carried out with nigor.

"The simplest stone monument placed to mark the grave of a German grenadier is a glorious monument, worthy of more veneration than all the churches throughout Europe. "They call ub barbarians; what harm is there in this?

"Let us treat with disdain the insults they throw at us.

"I for my part hope that in this war we really may deserve tdie epithet of barbarians.

"Let the neutral* and our enemies choke themselves with anger at our methods.

"Their complaints may well be compared with the chirping 'of sparrows. "May the fate of Rheims Cathedral he a foretaste of that which shall happen to all the churches and castles in France. "These'things do not move us. "Our troops are destined to win. "What matters the rest?"