GERMAN FLEET SURRENDER.

Taihape Daily Times, 10 January 1919, Page 5

GERMAN FLEET SURRENDER.

ATTITUDE OF BRITISH SEAMEN.

One feature of the memorable story of the surrender of the German navy has grave significance. It hy the British comamncler that there should be no fraternisation with the enemy. No compliments were 'to be exchanged. No entertainments weT* allowed. If German officers or'men were supplied with food they were not to be received as guests, but were served by themselves. If British officers or sailors were placed on enemy ships they were not permitted to sit at| table with Germans, but must take the provisions served to them and have their meals apart from the enemy. Allied crews were reminded that they were still in a state of war with Germany, and would remain so ifcatil peace terms .were settled and ratified. There is a good reason for this. Among the officers and crews of the German fleet are many assassins.; Murder has been, committed by the Germans on sea and land. The ordinary conventions and amenities of civilised warfare cannot i be applied, to these criminals. It Is not yet decided what shall be done with them. In the meantime, it is important that they should not be recognised as chivalrous enemies, entitled to the honours usually accorded to worthy foes. It would not b& convenient to hang or shcot an officer as a common murderer after sitting with him at the table as a host or guest and exchanging: eomoliments. * fii! -