GESTAPO VICTIM

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20030, 31 August 1939, Page 16

GESTAPO VICTIM

CZECH MINE ENGINEER LABOUR AND PACIFISM SEEKING WORK IN N.Z. Frightening experiences with the Gestapo, the German secret police, because of political associations, were recounted by a Czech mining engineer. Mr. A. Steiner, when be arrived at Auckland with his wife and two children by the Rangitane from London to live in New Zealand. Mr. Steiner, whose mother was Jewish, worked in coal mines in the Sudetenland for a number of years, and was i Labour organiser, but was associated with no political party.

“I am a pacifist,” said Mr. Steiner. “I used to do my best among my workmates to bring about co-opera-tion. and unity between the Czechs and Germans. I was among those aiming to prevent war. I knew my agitations were against Nazi principles, but I was prepared to carry on until I had to give up my home in Prague for it ho safety of my own family and near relatives.”

'Hearing of his political leanings, the Gestapo summoned Mr. Steiner to give an explanation. They questioned him- on his political work, and also regarding a letter which be received from a Czech Labour leader visiting London, in which mere generalities were discussed. Because of this lie was forced to sever any associations he had with Britain —and he had some, he said-—and be was compelled to watch his step very carefully.

“I was a member of a German mining association,” continued Mr. Steiner. “The Gestapo made inquiries about me from “he officers of this association, and when a favourable report was received it was accepted-, and- I was freed. I bad no taste of concentration camps, I am thankful to say, but I had so much trouble with the Gestapo thereafter that I could no longer live under German ( rule. They demanded- information 'about everything, and T deemed it advisable to go to another country.”