NAZI WAR GUILT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20079, 27 October 1939, Page 7

NAZI WAR GUILT

DAMNING FACTS RIBBENTROP'S SPEECH COMMENT IN LONDON “A BUNGLER’S APOLOGIA” MADE PEACE IMPOSSIBLE (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 12 r.oon RUGBY, Oct. 20. A further examination of neutral opinion on the speech of the German Foreign Minister, Herr von Ribbentrop, confirms the early impression that it has done nothing to modify the view abroad that Germany deservedly is almost isolated in the present struggle.

Considered opinions now expressed by responsible English newspapers agree that his special pleading and invective were addressed to the German people, who, says the Daily Telegraph, have been screened by Dr. Goebbels’ Propaganda Department from contact with the truth and have been disciplined to limitless credulity.

“But there are two damning facts which cannot be concealed to the outer world, however they are reconciliable to the German conscience —the rape of Czechoslovakia, in flat defiance of Herr Hitler’s promise, and the spoliation of Poland,” says the Telegraph. Those are hardly the achievements of a Government which, as Herr von Ribbentrop claims, has done its best to avoid war. Nor do drey inspire confidence in the renewal of the protestations that the German frontiers are now definite, that stable conditions have now been created in Europe, and that the consolidation oi .lie Reich has been concluded.”

“Bungler’s Apologia”

The Times, which describes the speech as a “bungler's apologia.” recalls the failure of Herr von Ribbentrop's mission as Ambassador in London, and says that this first failure has been followed by ‘‘a series of blunders which landed Germany in the worst diplomatic position in which he has ever found herself—far worse nan that in which, with her allies •ound her, she stood at the beginning ■of the la'st war.

“The Danzig .speech suggests that Herr von Ribbentrop, in fact, has ■bandoned the uncongenial role oi diplomatist for that of a. blustering demagogue. To those who listened to t, the dominant note of his harangue ,vas hysteria, and hysteria, is a bad basis on which to conduct what the Nazis themselves describe as a war of nerves.

"Almost the only true statement which he made in the course of it was hat the British people would, at heart, like to live in friendship with the German people, and it was, perhaps, the consciousness of his own heart that he and the Fuehrer had between them made this impossible that drove .him to make the fantastic charges of a man who feels himself cornered and lashes out right and left Referring in the House of Commons to-day to Herr von Ribbentrop’s statement, the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, suggested that it might be thought to have significance since it followed lengthy consultations between the Nazi leaders. Distortion of Truth

“I do not propose to waste time commenting on the many details of this performance,” he said._ “No one in this country will be deceived by its distortion of the truth. There is already abundant evidence that Herr von Ribbentrop has been no more successful in his attempt to mislead impartial observers in other parts of the world. I even cherish the hope, despite all the suppressions and falsifications. that there are still some in Germany itself who see where the real, truth lies.

“The main thesis of his speech is that it was England, and not Germany, who desired and plotted for war. The whole world knows that this is not true. The whole world knows that no Government ever sought more ardently to avoid war, or took greater risks to preserve peace, than the Government of this country. We have already published with complete frankness all the essential documents relating to the causes of the war. We are content to be judged by the facts and to know that the verdict of the great majority of neutral observers is in our favour. * Advice Given Hitler “Sir Nevile Henderson’s final report referred to the encouragement given to Herr Hitler in his designs on Poland by Herr von Ribbentrop, who apparently advised him up to the last moment that Britain would not fight. Yet Herr von Ribbentrop now asserts that the whole object of British policy since 1938 has been to concert war against Germany.”

“One of the questions which historians of the future will have to consider is how far the great tragedy of our times was due to the failure of Herr Von Ribbentrop to comprehend either the policy or character of the British people.” said Mr. Chamberlain.

“I will make one other comment upon Herr Von Ribbentrop's Speech. He desires, it seems, to invite the Soviet to join a crusade against the British Empire. Why, what a change is here” exclaimed Mr. Chamberlain, amid cheers.

“Let me read two sentences from Herr Von Ribbentrop's address to the press when he first came to England in 1930: 'Germany wants to be friends with Britain and I think the British people also wish for German friendship. The Fuehrer is convinced that there is only one real danger to Europe and the British Empire as well, that is, the spreading further of Communism, this most terrible of all diseases.’ ” Choice of Nazi Government The laughter which the citation evoked was stilled as members heard Mr. Chamberlain's, measured comment that the positive conclusion to be drawn from the Danzig speech was that the German Government had apparently made the choice which, as he made clear on October 12. lay before it. Herr von Ribbentrop had announced the German Government’s intention of seeing the struggle through with all its energy and strength. “If that is indeed its decision, there

can be but one reply and,” declared Mr. Chamberlain emphatically, “we arc prepared to give it,” The house gave renewed cheers when he added: “But it is not England that has challenged Germany. It is the German Government, which, by persistent acts of aggression pursued in the face of repeated warnings, has forced us at last reluctantly to take , > arms. It is the German Government which, by reckless disregard of its pledged word and the rights and liberties of other peoples, oust bear the responsibility for this war and all its consequences.’