The papers of Tuesday contain a summary from Reuter of
a review of the British official " History of the War in South Africa" which appeared in the German official military organ, the Militiir-Wochenblatt. The work of the British Army is highly praised, and it is noteworthy that the review was written in the department of the General Staff. The writer says that seldom has the public been led more astray about the nature of a war than in the case of South Africa. " Practically the entire Press of all civilised countries did everything it could to eulogise the achieve- ments and organisation of the Boers, while British leaders and the British troops were belittled, and mistakes were immoderately condemned without any foundation which could justify such sharp criticism." The writer observes that the British Government hoped for peace up to the last moment, and that therefore the prevailing opinion that Britain was preparing fur the war long beforehand is erroneous. Finally, the review points out that acclimatisa- tion is always necessary for an expeditionary army, and that when once acclimatised the British army in South Africa displayed those " high fighting qualities " which were once again shown "in brilliant fashion" during the recent relent- less pursuit of Morenga. Some time ago the German General Staff corrected the current and long-standing delusions of their countrymen as to the humanity of the British army in the war. The present generous testimony was less to be expected, but it is hardly less pleasant to read.
