Читать книгу German Atrocities: An Official Investigation - J. H. Morgan - Страница 13

It is characteristic of the whole apologia that having admitted to an indiscriminate butchery the Germans attempt to gain credit for preserving throughout its course the most tender sentiments. In fact they are surprised at their own sensibility. “I have subsequently often wondered,” says a Major Schlick, “that our men should have remained so calm in the face of such beasts.”31 Major Bauer says, that he and his “manifested a most notable kindness to women, old men and children”; so notable that he suggests that “it is worthy of recognition in the special circumstances.” Major Bauer evidently thinks it a case for the Iron Cross. And in proof of this humanity he points out that the widows and orphans of the murdered husbands and fathers “all received coffee”32 from the field kitchen the next morning. Perhaps Major Bauer bethinks himself of a certain cup of cold water.