IMPRESSIONS OF GERMANY
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
Snt,—I read with interest the " German Impressions " in your issue of July 3oth, and would like to say how my own impressions after six months as the only English girl in a German " Pensionat " in Saxony, and six weeks spent in three families in various parts of Germany, correspond with those of " An English Schoolgirl."
I found the Germans so friendly and hospitable, and although politically our two countries could not agree, they were ever conscious of their claims of relationship with us through our Germanic forefathers.
I also found it quite easy to discuss political questions with them, except on one point—the quarrel between the State and the Church. I once asked Herr B., in whose family I was staying, if he could explain the situation to me. He merely replied : " That is a subject which we do not like discussed," and the matter dropped. I noticed, too, on other occasions, that they would drop this subject in my presence.
If I went to Germany rather anti-Hitler, I certainly returned with a very different opinion. I failed to understand Great Britain's attitude towards the Spanish war, the fear and hatred of Communism having been so instilled into me. To this " An English Schoolmaster " whose " German Impressions " appear in your same issue, might reply, " How very thorough is the National Socialistic teaching in the schools " !—I am, High Carrs, Elstree, Herts.
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