POLICY OF NAZIS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20098, 18 November 1939, Page 5

POLICY OF NAZIS

ATTITUDE IN BRITAIN COUNTER PLANS READY DISSENSION IN GERMANY ARMY PURGE FORECAST (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United J?ress Assn.) (Reed. Nov. 18, Noon.) LONDON, Nov. 17.

Foreign Office officials explain that it is not Britain's practice to reply in kind to German threats, for example, Herr Von Ribbentrop's "truly horrible war." Germans habitually talk in this way. Likewise, it is contrary to the British national character to reveal beforehand counter measures which will operate in the event of Germany fulfilling her bloodcurdling threats. If Germany breaks the rules of war by, say, bombing open towns, international law provides that the victim may retaliate. Similarly, it is recalled that Germany, in the Great War, used gas first and regretted it later. She would likewise regret such action in this war, remembering that the prevailing south-westerly winds favour the Allies. Convincing Evidence There is convincing evidence of unrest in Germany and dissension between the generals and Herr Hitler. Even without evidence, common sense tells that it exists because it is the German habit to strike hard and quickly. Only dissension can explain the delay to the German attack —a delay which placed the Allies at an enormous advantage. Facts available to everybody show positively the existence of a restraining influence operating in Germany due to the difference of opinion between the military view and the gangster view. Coinciding with reports that the German High Command is sharply opposing Herr Hitler's desire for an immediate offensive, the Paris radio forecasts a big purge in the army so that "even Marshal Goering maygo." It also asserts that the latest issue of the Sehwarz Corps, which is the organ of the Nazi Storm Troopers, was confiscated owing to outspoken comments on Germany's un- j favourable war position.