"GERMANS DEMAND RIGHT OF SELF-DETERMINATION"

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22506, 14 September 1938, Page 11

"GERMANS DEMAND RIGHT OF SELF-DETERMINATION"

(mrrnEO pbcss association—copyright.) (Received September 13, 8 p.m.) BERLIN, September 13. / “Germans demand the right of self-determination,” said Hitler at Nuremberg to-day in a speech concluding the Congress. He added: “Germany is definitely reconciled to a large number of her frontiers and is determined to accept these as unalterable and definite, thereby giving Europe a feeling of security and peace. Acceptance, however, does not mean that Germany is disinterested in all European problems, and particularly does it not- mean that she is indifferent to what is happening to 3,500,000 Germans.”

The audience cheered excitedly as Herr Hitler entered the

Congress Hall. He began speak: his speech at 8.35 p.m. A swasl Munich uprising was placed beh

ing at 7.16 p.m. and concluded ;ika banner carried during the ind Herr Hitler.

The Fuhrer began with a long review of Nazi history since 1923, when he declared the fighting units of the party first moved to the foreground. Since then it could not be overlooked and something new had entered the nation’s life. What was then the flag of a small group was now the flag of 75,000,000. This was in the Reich alone.

“No Empty Phrase”

Another factor recalling those times was that there were similar events in the world scene to-day. The political enemies to-day were the same.

Herr Hitler referred to the unitin" of the masses by the Nazis and declared that that unity had to be extended to all groups. That was the reason why the Jdws had to be eliminated—because they wanted national unity. • The Nazis were educating millions ■®* young Germans. There were hardly any Germans who did not belong to Nazi organisations, including even Germans in foreign countries. The party was sovereign in power, therefore it might adopt e ven unpopular measures if necessary.

Attack on Russian Rule "To-day, see how the international democrats who are pretending to for freedom and for equality co-operate with the Bolsheviks,” declared Herr Hitler. “We are compelled to deal with the democrats because their behaviour is especiaUy outrageous. They say that they represent the people, I say that there are only two governments supported ?y 99 per cent, of the people. What J s .termed democracy in other countries only based on skilful manoeuvres. The democrats glorify the Bolsheviks if they find it suitable, even though they call them dictatorships of the proletariat.” Herr Hitler added that it was bitter irony that the Soviet should be an honourable member of the , democratic League of Nations while 1 it maintained its rule by shootings and torture. “To-day we experience dn a large scale what we experienced on a small scale before we i\ere confronted by a united front ?* Bolsheviks and pro-democrats,” be said. “See how the international "mrld democrats work hand in hand w ith Moscow. “It is unsupportable if the motto democracy is used as a threat against us in a country where mil* «°ns of Germans are apparently defenceless. I speak of Czechoslovakia,” continued Herr Hitler. “The Situation becomes unbearable when • .“potion's of our compatriots are exposed to robbery and oppression, tflechoslovakia is a democracy Jtablished against the will of the , JMority of the inhabitants. It was! Joined to bomb Germari industries * case pf W ar. The Czech consti-1 based, not on the nation’s

Herr Hitler’s Speech at Nuremberg Congress

rights, but on the requirements o the oppressors.

“I tell the democrats that it is not a matter of indifference to us. If these tortured, oppressed creatures cannot defend themselves they will receive help from us. In Czechoslovakia there are 3,500,000 Germans. They are creatures of God who did not create them for surrender to hatred and persecution. “I said ir. February that Germany would no longer tolerate the persecution of the Sudetens. I ask statesmen to take notice of this. It is no empty phrase. German restraint is taken as a sign of weakness. I want to correct that mistake. We understand if France and Britain safeguard their interests. They must understand that Germany also wants to safeguard her interests.”

Herr Hitler declared that the Czechs wanted to restore the intimidation of Sudetens by massing troops on the frontiers. The President (Dr. Benes) therefore invented the story that the German troops 1 had been mobilised for a march on Czechoslovakia. “I declare that at that time not one soldier above the normal number had been called to the colours or moved from the garrisons. Germany did not intend to march. , “A Great Power could not tolex - ate such a base attack. Therefore we took important measures on May 28, 1935, strengthened our air force and ordered fortifications to be built in the west. Since May 28, 1935, the most gigantic fortifications have been under construction in the west. The fortifications are ready, and behind this line stands the armed Germany. “The Guilt is not Ours” “I will not agree to permit a second Palestine in the heart of Germany. The Arabs are defenceless, but the Sudeten Germans are neither defenceless nor forsaken. I serve peace if I leave no doubt that the Sudeten oppression must end. I would be sorry if our relations with other Europeans suffered, but the guilt is not ours. I have made an effort to serve peace and I am unwilling to look on endlessly while the Germans in Czechoslovakia are oppressed. “Dr. Benes has engaged ir. tactics. He desires to negotiate under Geneva methods. That will not do. This is a question 'f violated rights. Germans demand the right of selfdetermination. Dr. Benes shall not give mere gifts, but rights. The free right of self-determination shall replace oppression. “We made the British-German Treaty, not because we could not build more ships, but because it was our desire never to cross swords with England again. We have concluded a treaty of friendship with Poland. Germany is now satisfied with her frontiers.”

Herr' Hitler concluded the Congress by saying that the Nazis all had the right to hold their heads high with pride. They would never bow them again under an alien, will.

Herr Hitler read from a typed manuscript, emphatically punctuating his statements with gestures. As he finished his hair was ruffled and his face was florid. The rally concluded with torchlight processions. Electricians worked all night to ensure that Berlin would hear Herr L'.tier’s speech at Nuremberg. A million hopies, shops, factories, cinemas, ahd restaurants were equipped with loud-speakers. The speech was relayed throughout Germany and retransmitted to foreign stations. 1.