NAZI TECHNIQUE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20091, 10 November 1939, Page 7

NAZI TECHNIQUE

REICHSTAG FIRE LONDON REMEMBERS THREATS IN BERLIN DRASTIC MEASURES “FIGHT TO DEATH” (Klee. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 11.50 a.m. RUGBY. Nov. 9. The British press publishes full summaries of Herr Hitler’s Munich speech, but the interest is overshadowed by the reports of the explosion, of which only scanty details have so far reached London.

The Nazr technique at the famous Reichstag fire is recalled in some newspapers which show reserve in accepting, at their face value, the early reports of Hie Munich afTair. which they believe might well be exploited for party purposes.

The absence of any reference by Herr Hitler to the Hague peace appeal is noted and although it was hardly to bo expected that such an occasion would be chosen to reply to that offer, there is an inclination in 'informed circles to regard the omission as an indication that Herr Hitler lias not been giving attention to this initiative.

Peace Appeal Ignored

An Amsterdam message states that the absence of reference by Herr Hitler to the peace appeal caused resentment and disappointment in Holland.

A Zurich message reports that the Berlin correspondent of the Swiss journal the Zurich Zeitung, states that Herr Hitler so hates Britain that even his advisers do not dare discuss conciliation, for which reason the peace appeal would be stillborn.

A further Zurich message quotes reports from Germany indicating that the people are puzzled as to why the bomb was not timed to explode at the middle of the meeting. This is leading to suspicion that it may have been an attempt to rally the country, similarly to the burning of the Reichstag. It is known that anti-Nazis are already being rounded up. Herr Himmler desires a trial on the lines of the Reichstag fire trial to demonstrate that the explosion was the work of a foreign country. Monarchists have fallen under suspicion. It is also suggested that air attacks on Britain might be a possible reprisal.

Hitler Deeply Distressed

Herr Hitler was told of the explosion while en route to Berlin. He was deeply distressed, and said it must have been the work of foreign agents. The occasion marked the first time that news of an attempt on Herr Hitler’s life has been published, though there have been at least three previously. A Basle message quotes the National Zeitung, which says it is difficult to resist the suspicion that the explosion was an attempt to justify opening a totalitarian war against Britain. Britain and Jews Accused

The Berlin radio broadcasting the news of the explosion in the Munich beer hall—declares: “Britain can be assured that this time we are going to lake drastic measures against Germany’s enemies.”

The semi-official publication, Deutsehedienst, says: “We do not know the details of the crime, but the instigators who provided the money for such an abominable idea are those who have always employed assassination, namely the British warmongers and Jews. We shall now treat people who commit crimes for English gold in a manner preventing them menacing the security of Nazis. England will now know that with us it is a fight to the death."