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Why the petty sarcasm?

Posted by Tony on Thu Sep 05, 2002 07:14:54 PM

In reply top Re: Ownership again! posted by Gregory on Thu Sep 05, 2002 05:12:58 PM

Is this the start of an "Us versus the Huns thread"?

Some of your remarks, are just plain tasteless, uncalled for, and very ill-informed Andy.

Now before we all go on, about the "Beastly Boche" lets try and remember something.

The German museums organisations, are trying to restore their heritage. I am fortunate and priveleged enough to count myself as the friend of one of the prime movers in this organisation. A man, who among other things, has a very large say, in what leaves Germany and what doesn't.

Right now, this man is tearing what is left of his hair out, trying to recover aircraft from Poland, that have gone very very "Politikal"

The Poles are insisting, that the aircraft are Nazi artifacts, and as such, "War Prizes". Now anyone with a modicum of common sense, knows that the original collection was SOC by the RAF in 1943-44, and the Germans did a hell of a job, getting any sort of collection together, just in time for the Russians to relieve them of the responsibility of looking after it.

This row, has gone all the way to the top. The German Government, has offered everything short of dual nationality to Polish citizens to try and do this deal. The German Air Force, even let a third party country, with an appaling human rights record, have Jets at a bargain price, just to extract ONE aircraft, that MIGHT swing the deal.

The 3rd party country reneged (quelle surprise) leaving the Germans high and dry, and still desperately trying to bargain.

Now, at the time I was hauling Iskras out of Poland, I asked the Poles what they wanted, and I have their dream list. There are 3 aircraft on the list, any of which, they will do a deal on. One is possible, the other 2? let's just say if the German Government couldn't do it with low hours RF-4's the rest of us don't stand a chance. For the record, those aircraft are:

1 x genuine Polish Hurricane
1x Halifax - you would not believe the deep symbolism of the Halibag in Poland
1x PZL-24.

Other also rans, are a Mustang (Must be Polish) and a Liberator.

In other words, not impossible, but you see the problem.

The Germans are insisting on ownership of these aircraft right now, because they have very little, in the way of exchange stock, for something that might come along.

No one criticises Bodo, but I think it's apalling, the way the Norwegians are laying claim to everything that ain't nailed down in that country.But, that's me personal feeling. We know why their doing it, because it gives them inventory and leverage.

This rule, does not just apply to Auslanders. it applies to German organisations too. Do you remember the saga of the frankfurt engines? Well i know most of the story now, and even the german museums, and I mean, the Government owned ones, had a hell of a job, trying to get the Finance ministry to release them. Why? Because they were never officially taken on charge by the Luftwaffe. In other words, the finance ministry still owned them, and some Joe "Arbeitersworth" wanted the paperwork from 1945 tied up.

If the Germans lay claim to the Emil, so what? They'll still have to deal with the man who has legal ownership of the aircraft, and he is a canny chap, he knows he can get a deal.
Now, can we stop Jerry-bashing?

They are not ogres, and surprisingly enough, they want the same as all of us, preservation of historic airframes.

...I must say though, it is really jolly decent of you to offer to donate your luftwaffe bits. I'm sure I can arrange for you to get some nice RAF lumps in return. Bear in mind, that as there is an ownership dispute, it is illegal to sell the bits, as they were never officially SOC by the Luftwaffe. I read somewhere, I think it was Merlin 3945 on the Flypast board, that it is in fact, illegal to sell bits from RAF aircraft,digs, excavations or otherwise unless title has been specifically granted to do so. Of course, he may be wrong, but he seemed to know his onions.

Cordially

Tony :0)

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