The Wyandotte news-herald. (Wyandotte, Mich.) 1943-1963, 1945-05-10

majority OF American war prisoners in Ger
many were reasonably well treated under
the conditions existing in Germany When
the Allied push against Germany disrupted
the transportation system, it forced the Ger
mans TO eVacuate war prisoners from some
OF the camps and in some cases caused con-
siderable tragedy. In this whole process.
however, everything possible has been done
by the American Red Cross and the Y.MC.A.
to provide relief and help.
Archer l.. Lerch, Provost Marshal Gen
eral OF the United States Army, states:
Every available means of transportation
IS being utilized by the international Red
cross to provide American prisoners of war
IN Germany with necessary food, medicine,
clothing and blankets. Fifteen German
trucks and two 20-ton German lorries have
been hired by them; so trucks each have
Deen donated by the American, Canadian,
and British Red Cross; and 100 u S. Army
trucks have been put at their disposal by
our Army IN France. Another 100 trucks
are being shipped for their use from the
United States. In addition, barges and rail-
road trains are being utilized to the maxi
mum available by the international Red
Cross inside Germany"
During the past two years the War Pris-
onerS Aid of the YMCA. has sent to
American prisoners of war in Germany
1,145,254 sports articles, pa 232 musical
articles and 1890, 146 books together with
large quantities of hobby, handicraft and
dramatic supplies. Many cards and letters
from prisoners of all faiths have been re-
celved expressing appreciation for these
supplies which were sent free of charge to
these American prisoners of war This out
standing record of service to prisoners dat
ing back to the Civil War in our own coun-
try, is OF the type that involves the POSSIBLE
1ty OF Some criticism from those who do not
understand the reciprocal character of such
services. The service must be given TO both
sides In order TO serve either side. How
ever, some people allow immediate feelings
OF hatred to blind their thinking in regard
to some of the principles and factors in
Volved. World War II was preciptated by
the hate dispensing attitude of a few mad
men who preached the false doctrine of the
superiority of one race and the necessity of
dominating, If not extinguiShing the others.
This spreading of hatred was HitlerS great
est weapon Are we do to the same? The
opposite Of spreading hatred is trying to
apply the principles of Justice and reason
aid fairness, yes even to our enemies If we
do anything less than this, we sink to the
depths of those who have caused the great
tragedy our world is now experiencing. If
we are going to salvage anything good from
World War II, and build for permanent
peace, we must in every situation apply and
hold high the highest standards of Justice
and fairness and reason.
Long ago, the Man of Galilee summed
up In very profound statement the fulfil
lty OF many OF our attempts to attack sources
of evil when He said, "You cannot cast out
Satan with Satan" A great Christian of the
tlrst century put it another way when he
said, BE not overcome of evil, but over
come evil with good"
Wllfred F. Newell Executive Secretary
Wyandotte Branch YMCA.
EDITORS Note: Walter Winchell in his
Sunday night broadcast said he was inform
ed that the $3.50 loving cup was locked in a
safe by the commanding officer of the pris-
oner of war camp and would not be given
to the German prisoners soccer team.
While we do not take exception to Sandy
Newells idealistic viewpoint we do, how
ever, applaud the change of heart on the
part OF the camp commanding officer
Locked in a safe the loving cup can now
serve as memorial to our molly-coddling
tactics toward blood-thirsty beasts.)