WISDOM DOUBTED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20914, 14 October 1942, Page 3

WISDOM DOUBTED

BRITISH REPRISAL FETTERING OF GERMANS DIFFERENCES IN CANADA (11.30 a.m.) NEW YORK, Oct. 13. A difference of opinion is running strongly in Canada regarding the wisdom of the reprisal fettering of prisoners, says the Ottawa correspondent of the New Ycfrk Times. Some argue that it is a sign of utter weakness not to retaliate, pointing out that the Allies played gently with the Germans at the beginning of the war with disastrous results.

The opposite view is expressed by the Toronto Globe-Mail which opposes entering into a contest in brutality which we cannot win.

It says: “Savagery in cold blood is the most demoralising influence on earth. If we practise it on the excuse of retributive justice, we will have cause to regret.” This view is held in many quarters. The argument is complicated by the fact that all military prisoners held in Canada are prisoners captured by the British and also the decision to fetter them was made in London. It is a pity that the London decision on policy runs counter to the Canadian, but such seems to be the case. Certain groups even blame the British military authorities and the Government for the situation rather than the Nazis. Thus, in creating the possibility of such a conflict of opinion, it is felt that Hitler has scored a success.