GIVEN that Britain is now a committed and even a friendly partner in Europe with Germany, despite their wartime hatred, it may seem that the unwillingness of many ex-servicemen who fought in the Far East to forgive Japan is a paradox built on too much prolonged bitterness.

And for that reason, the protests by former prisoners of war over the visit this week by Emperor Akihito of Japan may seem to dwell too much in the past - particularly when the emperor at whom they are directed was but a child when the atrocities they recall were committed.

But anyone who has the slightest knowledge of their experience will not blame them - not least in the light of the pitiful £76-a-head compensation they have received and the lack of real apology.

A figurehead, he may be, but Emperor Akihito ought to use this state visit as an opportunity to wipe the stain on his nation's history - either by word or gesture.

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