The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-06-01

England and Russia. And as you can imagine, 1t is very difficult to think clearly. Furthermore, we in Denmark had no news during the war except Nad propaganda. The only enlightment we received of ac- tivities of the outside world was through radio reports from Sweden and England" Here MT. Peterson praised the advantages to Q nation of a free and unbiased press, stat ing that much of the accord which existed in America could be attr1- buted to its unbiased dissemination of the news.
 MT. Petersen further pointed out that the unity and accord which has existed between the states of America may also be attributed in great measure to the fact that the people of this nation speak the same language. "In the United States," he explained" you are capable of discussing man-to-man differences of opinion. Between the nations Of Europe, 1t becomes necessary to use the services of an interpreter, usually member of the diplomatic corps, who presents his own inter- pretation."
 With conflicting political trends already on the march through Europe, and the customary play for power already making itself ob- vious, both MT. and Mrs. Petersen shook their heads pessimistically, when speaking of current events m Europe.
 They felt Naziism had not been plotted out in Europe, and would never be until the German people were completely demilitarized and held under strict military rule for many years. On the other hand, they explained, 1t appears Russia is pushing her political philosophy through Europe. The frtendliness recently shown by Yogoslavia and other states toward the Soviet Union, they thought, was merely diplomatic play of the smaller rlA- tions toward great power.
 Although the Farmers Party Is now in power in Denmark, the elec- torate today in that country corn- prises about eight per cent Com- inunists, who are attempting to lower the voting age from 26 to IS years. The Petersens pointed out that Communism appeals partic- ularly to the younger people, and the Communists are pushing their campaign for the younger voting age by crying out if Q man IS young enough to carry a gun he is young enough to fight.
 Denmark fared better than other nations under Nazi domination, the Petersens said. Books of instruct ions to the Gestapo, found follow ing liberation, admonished the NaA police to make a pretence of friendship and use the velvet glove instead of the iron heel. No atroci- ties existed except in instances where members of the underground were apprehended. King Christian, e strong supporter of the underground, was kept captive in his castle throughout the occupation.
 Although forced to build forti. fications for the Germans and pro- duce food supplies, the men of this agricultural nation, were not re. cruited for slave labor in Germany. It is estimated that 10 billions of dollars were siphoned from Danish banks.
 The Danes today, exporting vast quantities of bacon and butter to England, unlike the other peoples of Europe, have sufficient food and money-but little clothing. Fabrics cost go a yard, despite price con- trol.
 Miss Petersen said she felt like Alice in Wonderland when she viewed the abundance of clothing in American stores.
 Both brother and sister spoke English ably. They began the study of the language approximately three months ago when they de- cided to visit America. They eIn- phasized throughout the interview that the opinions offered, particu- larly on the present political pic. ture, were for most part personal. The conclusions drawn, they ex- plained, may not be completely sound, since much confusion still exists in European environment, and such a unsteady state would nat,ir. ally be reflected in e persons thinking.