It is an open question whether the War Office, in
•making its concessions, drew the line at the right place. Sir • John Simon based his appeal- upon his observation that no one in the debate had suggested that the death penalty had any practical influence in getting men to do their duty. On the other hand, Mr, Duff Cooper, Financial Secretary to the War Office, dwelt upon the absolute necessity of emphasizing by every means the detestation in which cowardice must be held, because it is in fact a treachery to others. Men in the ranks, he said, felt more strongly on this subject even than their officers. Imagine their feelings at seeing . a man who has " let down " his comrades being quietly removed to the rear for trial while his victims are left perhaps to certain death. Sir John Simon only. :.just.. failed in his attempt to get cowardice exempted. The Government haVe at least made a humane start, and experience alone will show whether it is safe to go further. Ite must all admit that war, being itself abnormal, is necessarily intolerant of those standards of mercy which aie both safe and normal in ordinary life.
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