The Telegraph Book of Readers' Letters from the Great War (16 page)

In view of so flagrant a contrast as this, I submit that it is incumbent on Germans living in England – and especially those who have become naturalised subjects – to make representations to the Berlin authorities on the real facts of the case. Let them make it clear in Germany that England treats her prisoners, not only with the ordinary consideration due to all human beings, but with a sense of chivalry besides. She gives them such measure of liberty as is possible, opportunities for refreshment and exercise, and a treatment which does not wound their self-respect. I would also ask the Germans in our midst to appeal to their Fatherland on behalf of captive Englishmen, so that they may be exempt from such humiliating barbarities as those which have shocked the conscience of the civilised world. Probably they, in virtue of their blood, will be listened to and believed, even though our own protests are
passed by unheeded or stigmatised as fictions. I think it is a clear duty, a matter of distinct obligation, that Germans who owe their wealth, their position and their safety to free England should use their influence with their native country on behalf of their adopted country, and thus prove that in this crisis of their fate and of ours they recognise a debt of gratitude to the land which for so long they have made their home.

Faithfully yours,

Scrutator

London

On Wednesday, in company with friends, I visited Windsor Castle. Whilst there I went to St George's Chapel, and was indeed horrified, and naturally very indignant, with others, to find in the chapel, over the choir stalls, the banners of the German Emperor, the Emperor of Austria and the Crown Prince still hanging.

I feel bound, although an American citizen, as I have brothers at the front fighting against these barbarians and pirates, as your paper has justly termed them, to call your attention to this injustice to the English people and insult to the mothers, wives and families of those who are so courageously shedding their blood against these Huns.

I am, dear Sir, yours very obediently,

Wm. J. Gammon, British-American
Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex

Changes are to be made which will be felt as oppressive by every person in these islands who makes even the most moderate regular use of beer, wine or spirits; which will profoundly disorganise every industry concerned, and gravely affect the revenue.

The sole reason put forward for the making of these changes is that some working men, in some districts, are drinking so much as to render them inefficient as armament or munition workers.

Will Mr Lloyd tell us, quite roughly – within a thousand or two, let us say – what is the number of these delinquents upon whose account this sweeping legislation is proposed?

When we know this, we shall be better able to judge whether the disease – which undoubtedly needs to be cured – is being treated with ordinary common sense.

I am, &c.,

Inquisitive

I fully share Scrutator's opinion that it is an urgent duty of loyal Germans in this country to come forward and testify to the courtesy and consideration extended to them in the country of their adoption and choice by practically the whole of the British public, at a time and under circumstances most trying, and when even the most loyal German must bear without flinching the fact that his sentiments, however loyal to England, may be looked upon as doubtful by English people, unless intimately acquainted with him.

As a German by law I have been a prisoner myself, and I therefore speak from experience when I say that German prisoners in England are treated not only with humanity, but with sympathy, understanding and kindness. After my release I wrote, and caused a letter to be sent, to the influential
Cologne Gazette
stating all the true facts about concentration camps in this country, and pleading for equal treatment of British prisoners in Germany. As far as I am aware this letter was never published by the
Cologne Gazette
. I am afraid that such isolated and individual endeavours are useless, and I am of Scrutator's opinion that a concerted statement by Germans resident in this country and a concerted appeal by them to the German public would be more likely to have the desired effect, if anything can bring the guilty parties in Germany to realise the baseness and the repulsive nature of their actions. I am sure that loyal Germans in this country – the blessings of
which they have learned to appreciate and to which they are attached in most cases with a sincerity and love far greater than they obtain credit for – would come forward in their thousands to sign an appeal to the German public such as suggested.

I also think that German soldiers captured on the battlefield and now prisoners in this country should be given an opportunity to sign the appeal, and they should be given to understand the reasons for such an appeal, for, being deprived of newspapers, they may not even know that their gallant erstwhile foes are being ill-treated in German camps.

The only question is as to the best means for bringing concerted action about, and perhaps Scrutator or some other personality of standing is in a position to set the scheme going.

I enclose my card, and am, Sir, yours faithfully,

British Subject
in Spe

St Albans

SIR – Permit me, as a naturalised German (and British subject of thirty years' standing), very cordially to endorse the excellent suggestion recently made by ‘Scrutator' in a letter to your valuable paper, to the effect that representations should be made to the Berlin authorities by naturalised Germans in this country, testifying to the excellent treatment
accorded to German prisoners here, and petitioning reciprocal treatment for British prisoners in Germany.

I consider it the duty, not only of all naturalised Germans, but of every German who enjoys England's hospitality, to unite in such a petition.

I am quite sure that the German people realise neither the excellent way in which German prisoners are treated here, nor are they allowed to know the vileness of the treatment of British prisoners in Germany, because the German people are consistently misinformed by their rulers, the Prussian military caste.

Yours faithfully,

Paul Windmuller
72 Mark Lane, E.C.

SIR – Your correspondent signing himself ‘Scrutator' suggests that an appeal should be made to the Germans in this country to make representations to the Berlin authorities on the real facts of the case, namely, the contrast in the treatment of Germans in England and British subjects in Germany. I am sure this suggestion will be heartily responded to.

I, for one, having lived in this country over thirty-three years, have learned to highly esteem the British character for its liberality and generosity. Having, unfortunately, neglected
my naturalisation, I am legally classed as an ‘alien enemy of this country', and as such have had to undergo registration, and have from time to time to report myself at the police station for the renewal of my travelling pass, which enables me to attend to my business. The courtesy and consideration shown to me and my wife by the officials of Brixton police station, as well as locally, is beyond praise, and contrasts most favourably with the treatment meted out to British subjects in Germany. Amongst my numerous English friends and relations in this country none have, since the beginning of this unfortunate war, shown me the slightest animosity (one single solitary case excepted).

Again, with regard to prisoners of war in concentration camps, I know as a fact that they are treated most liberally and kindly. If only the full facts were made known in Germany I am sure the German people would feel ashamed of the brutality practised by their military authorities upon their defenceless British civilian and military captives. I shall certainly do what I can to make the facts known abroad in neutral countries, as well as in Germany. I feel sure that the majority of the Germans living in England must feel very grateful to the British nation for the humane and generous treatment which is being accorded them during these trying times, and many of them will be glad and proud to become one day loyal British subjects.