22 DECEMBER 1944, Page 10

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The fourth question is whether the German authorities them- selves regard the Wodehouse series as being to their advantage. It is significant that Mr. E. D. Ward (the American "Haw Haw " em- ployed by Goebbels) referred to Mr. Wodehouse's broadcasts and attitude as showing that there were some British citizens at least who did not share " the hate, discourtesy and cruelty of whichthose at great distance prate so much." It is unlikely, none the less, that Mr. Wodehouse was aware that his talks were being trailed and ex- ploited by Mr. Ward. And, finally, did he receive any considera- tion, either in cash or comfort, in return for these broadcasts? We do not know, and must accord Mr. Wodehouse the benefit of the doubt. It is only fair to point out, however, that on passing the age of sixty he was in any case entitled to release from internment. These, so far as I have been able to ascertain them, are the facts. Reasonable people will agree that they are not, after all, so very bad ; they will also agree that even under the most charitable inter- pretation they are not so very good. And that the best thing to do is to do nothing.