DR. SCHWEITZER—ALSATIAN
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
Sia,—May I correct an • error in your interesting article " Arzt, Denker, Musiker " ? Albert Schweitzer is not a German, as the phrase " Kein anderer heute lebender Deutscher . . . " would lead us to suppose, but an Alsatian, and an Alsatian is no more a German than an Irishman is an Englishman or a Fijian a Red Indian. It is perhaps hardly surprising that Germany, having turned out so many of her greatest men, is trying to poach distinguished men who are nationals of other countries.
When a reporter interviewed him recently in Edinburgh and demurred to his reply to a question whether he is a Frenchman or a German, the Doctor inquired, " Do you admit there are Alsatian Dogs ? " " Why, of course there are " said the reporter. " You must also admit there can be Alsatian men," said Schweitzer.—Yours faithfully, LILIAN M. RUSSELL.
Ashburn, Strone by Dunoon, Argyll, Scotland.
[Nevertheless Dr. Schweitzer was in fact born a German, for Alsace at the time of his birth was part of Germany.— En. The Spectator.]
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