BEHIND THE VEIL

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 116, 2 February 1918, Page 7

BEHIND THE VEIL

OF GERMAN PROPAGANDA SECRET MILITARY DOCUMENTS The London "Morning Post" refers as follows to the publication in the Zurich "Volksrecht" of secret documents of the German military authorities, revealing their methods* of propaganda among prisoners of war with the object of inciting revolutions in Ireland and in the Orient:—Count Hardenburg, a former German CansulGeneral in Tunis arid Algiers, in a confidential report on the treatment of African prisoners, says that they must be impressed with the invincibility of the German power, and that tlio impression of Germany's greatness must bo produced by methods adapted to their mode of thought. It ivould be usoless to.take them for walks through Berlin, lie point,s out, as they would probably regard the white statues of the Sieges Alice as figures of devils, and therefore the African would look upon the Germans as devil-worshippers, and this would produce no veneration for Germany.

Count Hardenburg, dealing with the question of inciting to a Holy War, points out that every war against .unbelievers is a Holy War, and therefore one might be directod also against Germany. England, France, and "Italy, ha says, have stolen lands, therefore "revenge" should bo the watchword. The Count also urges the necessity of avoiding the giving of the impression that Germany is in,_ great need of their help. The leading idea should be that it is a privilege, for them to be permitted to fight against England, France, and Italy. The Count concludes by declaring that the present treatment of these prisoners does not accord with the proud position that the Kaiser lias gained for Germany in the world of Islam.

The last document publisher! Ip a secret memorandum from the Ministry of War, dated May 9, 1916, and apparently drawn np to meet various objections raised against the propaganda l;y prominent military officers. It contains marginal remarks by the Kaiser's Ad-jutant-General Lowenfeld. The memorandum declares it to be necessary to consider propaganda among the Mohammedans, and desls with the foreign races oppressed by, Powers for which they are compelled to fight in the war. "This is also the case," it says, "with the Irish, as is shown by the present independence movement in Ireland. A. comparison with the attitude of the French towards Alsace-Lorraine is incorrect, as their population is not r.n oppressed foreign people." To this General Lowenfeld remarks: —"They are just' as foreign as the Irish. The French'Lorrainers are not of our race, but have been Frenchspeaking for ceptufies, and a part'of France." The memorandum/proceeds: "Regarding the idea that in this propaganda an active participation by German officers and soldiers is incompatible with duty from the standpoint of the honour of n German soldier, it must be observed that the propaganda was initiated from the highest circles in the Empire, with the knowledge of His Majesty the Emperor and King. Officers are only required to supervise propagranda, and the influencing of the mind of prisoners is a matter for professional propagandists. If any of theni regard this service of supervision as inconsistent with their views of honour they can be employed elsewhere. Regarding questions of international law the Ministry of War submits that in the fight for existence sucli as we are forced to -conduct, where our enemies, disregarding international agreements, shrink from no measures, Germany must also, employ every means available.'' The memorandum is addressed to the General in Command of tlie Guards Corps, and

is signed "Wendell, Deputy Minister of War." Commenting on the documents the "Volksrecht" says:—"So tho fact that Germany will stick at nothing is now shown in all its naked brutality. Wo rejoice that the Deputy Minister of War has so precisely stated tho principles regulating Germany's conduct of the war. It is true that he lias only dono this in a confidential document, but at least it is openly admitted how 'so-culled international law' is scorned. While diplomatic Notes and smooth speeches Ui the Reichstag offw convincing proof that in this three years' war the German Government has been tlio true guardian angel of international law which others have violated, the publication of these documents affords ample proof of the infamous dealings of the German Government— that same Government which recently spoke in a tone of tho greatest indignation of tho high treason committed by German sailors is now shown to have instigated and carried through exactly similar proceedings."