HERR OSSIETZKY
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] Sat,—In many respects the German outlook upon life is different from ours. The Englishman thinks criticism of the Government part of his birthright : the German thinks it treason. The two attitudes cannot be reconciled. It is best, therefore, in the interests of peace, to recognise the fact and allow for it.
But what should we say if two German doctors were sent over here to interview an English political prisoner, and report to their fellow countrymen his condition and treatment ? It is hard to imagine a more gross affront to a great nation. And yet the doctors seem aggrieved because they were not allowed to see the prisoner. What hope can there be of peace and understanding, if such breaches of good taste and good sense are allowed to occur.
If we are going to interest ourselves in the prisoners of other nations, I suggest that we begin with Russia, where conditions are reported to be far worse than in Germany.—Your obedient
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