22 SEPTEMBER 1944, Page 12

SIR,—In 1926, being privileged to meet Marshal Foch, I asked

his advice as to the desirability of Allied ex-Servicemen meeting German ex- Service men with a view to working together to promote international goodwill. He replied to the effect that he was not against the attempt being made, but that one must not build much hope upon it, as, un- fortunately, Germany was still ruled by the Prussians, and (here I remember his exact words) "le Prussien eest un loup, et a quoi bon dire soyez de bons loups parce qu'un Loup ne pew pas etre bon." In my ignorance I thought then that Foch was too extreme in his outlook, but I now realise how much better he knew the characteristics of the German people than did the vast majority of the people in this country. Surely it should by now be obvious to us all that it is not only Nazism which has to be eradicated, but, what will prove a mom difficult task because of longer standing, the whole docn-ine of Prussian militarism with its glorification of war and its gospel of might is right.

I am, indeed, glad to note the line which Mr. Wiener proposes to adopt

at Stowe.—Yours faithfully, GEORGE CROSFIELD. zo Kensington Court, London, W. 8.