“And in the end civilization will have to save Germany. Unless she gets a change of heart there’s no security for the time ahead. At present she’s outside the pale, but it won’t be wise or right to let her remain there forever. She’s a big proposition and the world owes her something. She will have to be helped to rid herself of Prussia. How’s it to be done—that’s the problem for the future. One thing is sure: you won’t get her to cut herself free of her protector by ramming a pistol down her throat.”
Brandon agreed.
“What’s your alternative?” said Pomfret.
“We must keep the communications open as well as we can. It’s the duty of those who look to the time ahead to try to get into touch with the German people.”
“But that’s quite impossible,” said Pomfret. “They are a set of outlaws and perverts.”
“I admit that the present plight of the German people is just about the biggest problem in all history.”
“You’re right. And every effort made by outsiders to help them will simply recoil on itself.”
“It may be so. But if there is a God in the world he cares just as much for the Teuton as he cares for anyone else.”
“Very true,” said Brandon. “And Germany must be made to see the light. But that can only be done indirectly. The German, as the world is now beginning to realize, has a very curious psychology. He doesn’t see through his eyes, but through his emotions. Therefore he calls for very special treatment.”
“Why not let him alone?” said Pomfret. “Why not let him find his own level?”