[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] Sin,—I read with interest
the article, " What does Germany Mean ? " in The Spectator. May I just point out how vital the disarmament question is regarded also in Germany?
The hegemony of France as a military power is acknow- ledged by all European nations ; and in spite of that France is always wanting more and more Security ! But what about security for Germany ? With our open frontiers we Germans have much more reason to be afraid of a French invasion ! Our earnest desire for equality in defensive arms and air force is only the wish for security. Surely the indi- vidual Frenchman does not want a war, but the interests of the armament manufacturers and the French Press do not allow a peaceful understanding between both our nations.
We would rather disarm than rearm to the last man, if the other nations would do the same ! England has set a good example, but France absolutely refuses to disarm ! A race in armaments would be deplorable, but also disastrous in its economic effects for every country, especially for Germany. We only want to be left in peace to recover slowly from the terrible effects of the last War and the so-called Peace-Treaty of Versailles. A new war would not only be suicide for us but also the end of all Western civilization, and the danger of the Far East would then become acute and immediate also for Europe. The hopeless results of the disarmament con- ferences have rather wearied us, and if not soon an agreement can be reached we are forced to rearm, not to be left at France's mercy one day ! But we are still ready for any reasonable international agreement on the basis of equality. The Mac- Donald plan is heartily welcomed here. If more credit and less suspicion would be given in foreign countries to Hitler's words and deeds, it would be so much easier to come to a good and satisfying understanding between all nations.—I am,
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