GERMANY DEFENDING HERSELF

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21199, 23 August 1940, Page 4

GERMANY DEFENDING HERSELF

“Failure of the German air offensive against Britain” is a phrase which is gradually creeping into the news from various sources. Though it would be rash and unwise yet to assume that Germany has done her worst in the aerial attack, there is at least some comfort in the fact that the worst the Nazis have been able to do so far has failed to have the effect that Hitler desired. On the other side of the picture is the significant announcement from the Berlin news agency that “a fundamental reorganisation of the air raid protection scheme in Germany is being carried out in spite of the efficient work of the existing services.”

This is evidence of a grave miscalculation by the Nazi High Command. Germany probably expected that her role in the war would be wholly offensive; therefore defence against British attacks was regarded as of minor importance. Even at this early stage a readjustment has been found necessary. The effect on German minds will be of far-reaching importance. Attacks on the lives and properties of other nations were thrilling and encouraging to the Nazis, but realisation that Germany itself must be prepared to receive damaging blows must have a sobering effect. In the last conflict internal Germany almost escaped the ravages of war apart from shortage of food and other necessities; the realisation that Germany must now become a battleground puts an entirely different complexion on the struggle. Germany’s excuse for the necessity to reorganise the defences is too lame to be taken seriously outside, though it may be believed within the Reich. “The change is necessary because of attacks contrary to international law, as a result of which the population of western and northern Germany has suffered heavily,” the German agency alleges. Coming from Germany, that accusation is ridiculous. In addition it is inconsistent with previous German claims that the British attacks have been almost wholly ineffective. It is inevitable by the very nature of aerial warfare that tbe strict letter of “international law,” or the law of common chivalry, cannot be observed. Bombs dropped from a great height cannot be delivered unerringly at a given military target. But Germany has chosen the weapons and forced the pace. International law is valid only if both parties observe it. Thus has modem warfare become a ghastly and revolting thing.