THE GERMAN CLAIM
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—From time to time statements are made in your articles or correspondence to the effect that this country is almost unanimous in recognizing Germany's moral right to equality of status and armament (either by increasing its own or by a decrzase in other countries). It is urged that no nation like Germany can be kept in a state of inferiority any longer, though actually only fourteen years or so have passed since the War. One wonders very much how far these assertions are true, and what at any rate would be the result of a plebiscite of those who fought in the War or lost their relations and friends in it. Surely England fought in the hope of ending war once and for all, and this purpose was to be effected mainly by so emasculating the most dangerous disturber of the peace, Germany, that she should never, or at any rate not for a generation at least, be able to threaten it again. Are the memories of those who know what the War meant so short that they should now wish to do anything to make it easier once more for Germany to attack France or any other country ? As one of the Geneva correspondents, I think, has somewhere said, most of the smaller countries are on the side of France in this question because they fear Germany making war again if she is placed on the same level as the other big nations in armaments. What is the root cause of this fear ? Surely it is Germany's own behaviour, not only before but since the War. Have any of her statesmen, leaders, or others who speak with authority for the mass of German adults, ever publicly expressed their genuine regret for their share in the War, and an honest, sincere and con. wincing resolve that, so far as they are concerned, they will never make war again nor attack another nation ? In other words, what signs have they ever given of that real repentance which must always precede forgiveness ? And until they do so, what is their moral right to be placed once more in a position where it will be easier for them to, make war ? Surely -even thirty years, the life of but one generation, is none too long for penance in such a case ?
No country has any desire to attack Germany : she, there- fore, has nothing to fear. But till she satisfies at least the rest of Europe, especially France and those smaller nations who so dread her, that she never again intends to hurt them, what moral right has she to ask to be restored to a position from which she can once more threaten others, and from which, at such stupendous cost, she was deposed thirteen years ago ?
I write as no " diehard Imperialist." I have been a warm supporter. of the League of Nations ever since its inception ; and in the last few years of my official career in India have lost no chance of urging Indians to compose their own internal differences and make peace among themselves in order to hasten on Dominion Status.—I am, Sir, &c., HERBERT hEALY, I.C.S.
[For opinions expressed by our correspondents we accept no responsibility. Editorially we have never ceased to insist that equality of status must be achieved by the disarmament of the rest of the world, and in no circumstances by the rearmament of Germany.—En. Spectator.]
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