THE PROPOSAL TO PUT GERMAN PRISONERS
HOSPITAL SHIPS.
(To THE Emma or THE " SPECTATOR.") S1R,—The idea now current that as a means of combating the German submarine atrocities we should put on board Allied hospital ships German officers of high rank (who have surrendered to us in good faith) seems to me to be based on a dangerous mis- calculation. I could imagine that the immediate result of the adoption of such a measure would be a wholesale transference of British o$eers—at present prisoners in Uernianx and all with anxious friends at home hero--to the forefront of the enemies' lines, exposed to our own deadly artillery fire. Where then could e limit to barbarity be arrived at? A more effective and humane 'deterrent would be found in a firm, straightforward declaration by the Allies to the effect that the controlling heads of German policy, each mentioned by name from the Kaiser down, would be leld personally responsible, and that each, when the inevitable .day of reckoning came, would, without respect of persons, pay the penalty with their lives. Let us play the " British Game " right [Our correspondent will find that we last week expressed this very view. We can beat the Hun at justice any day, but ho will always beat us " on his head " at cruelty and homicide. Let us punish crimes, and make it widely known that we shall punish them, but do not let us shed innocent blood.—ED. Spectator.]
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