NON-FRATERNISATION SIR,—The arguments for the relaxation of non-fraternisation rules should
be examined in the light of previous experience. In addition to total disarmament surely the first. item in the " education " of the Germans should be the eradication of his arrogant assumption of a racial superiority? To anyone in close touch with Germany after the last war, it was evident that the kindness of the British Army of the Rhine to the popula- tion was among the first causes of that firm German belief in British softness which led later to so many dangerous miscalculations.
To the Prussian, essentially a bully, and to the German, so submissive to Prussian bullying, such conduct bred contempt rather than gratitude ; in their view such moderation could only be inspired by weakness or fear. Magnanimity meets with no understanding in Germany since Prussia took chatge. Except for the Channel Islands, neither this country nor the U.S.A. has been under the heel of the Prussian jack-boot, as have other unfortunate peoples.
Perhaps a modified dose of their own treatment, rather than kindly fraternisation, would help to remove that Chauvinistic Herrenvolk con- ception, built up under the Hitler regime, ever with the close support of the Prussian General Staff.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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