FRATERNISATION
Sta,—A very large number of people in this country would like some intelligible explanation of the strict no-fraternisation order issued to soldiers in occupied Germany. It appears to cause uneasiness to the soldiers, and quite unnecessary difficulty and discomfiture among the German civilians.
Reports of the attitude of German civilians towards the conquerors has reached a ludicrous pitch of contradiction which matches the arti- ficiality of the conquerors' attitude. If the Germans make no advances, they are described as " sullen " ; if they do make advances, in spite of the fact that no Allied soldier may make any response, they are described as "fawning." What precisely are we trying to do in occupied Germany? Produce order and co-operation and a change of heart, or convince even the non-Nazis that Hitler's regime was the better of two evils after all?
Further, if we really aim at the " re-education " of the German popula- tion, we should remember that the Allied soldier is, if left to himself, an excellent teacher. Let him start the job. The sooner it gets under way the better.
There has been vague talk of the personal danger to Allied soldiers if they fraternise with the Germans. Here and there treachery may con- ceivably cost a soldier's life ; but it seems certain that far more soldiers' lives will be in danger in occupied Germany if dal men are compelled to make themselves hated and resented wherever they go by repulsing Or ignoring every friendly gesture.. An army of occupation should estab-
lish peace, not prolong war,—Yours, &c., DORIS DAVY. 13i.rch Hay, Chelsfield, Kent.
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