DECLINE OF CHIVALRY

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21356, 26 February 1941, Page 4

DECLINE OF CHIVALRY

War has always been briAal, but usually it has been relieved to some extent by flashes of chivalry that assist in maintaining a certain faith in the decency of mankind. But modern warfare has brought about a change for the worse and chivalry on the part of some nations is either dying or dead. Germany by the primary act of forcing the present war struck a staggering blow at what remained of chivalry, and ever since that day she has been trampling underfoot every nobler sentiment affecting the attitude of one man or of one nation toward another. Even Italy attempted to eradicate some of' the baser pas- , sions from the war in the Mediterranean area. Hospital ships, for instance, were respected, and in certain notable cases an endeavour was made to protect women and children from the horrors attendant upon war.

But now Germany has descended upon the Mediterranean to assist her Axis partner, and immediately the standard of conduct in aerial combat has deteriorated. Deliberate attempts have been made to bomb hospital ships whose identity could not possibly be mistaken. And so it will go on wherever the hand of the Hun appears. Brutality is a deliberate policy encouraged by Hitler to smash his way to victory. No attempt is made to hide the fact. The Germans are told that they are a superior race with a right to treat their “ inferiors ” as beings without rights and without feelings. Thus chivalry towards enemies is dead as far as the Nazis are concerned.

What will be the reaction upon the Italians ? They established their own standard of conduct in their own war in the Mediterranean. Mussolini’s initial act of treachery in stabbing France in the back and then turning upon an old friend in Britain was undoubtedly a severe shock to millions of Italians. But propaganda won the day. Now Mussolini has invited or submitted to the intervention of the Nazis and must face the consequences of the new standard of conduct. Brutality by the Germans will inevitably be reflected upon their allies the Italians. History will give its verdict, and if for all time the name of Italy is linked with Hunnjph practices, the responsibility will mostly be Mussolini’s. The common Italian people are leaving it very late in the day to attempt to rescue themselves from the odium that will become attached to them by their continued association with Hitlerism.