SIGNS OF UNREST

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20660, 10 January 1942, Page 5

SIGNS OF UNREST

TENSION IN GERMANY S.S. TROOPS RECALLED CONTROL BY FORCE (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Preaa Assn.) (Reed. Jan. 10, 9 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 9. Reports from Europe, according to the Daily Telegraph, suggest that Herr Hitler has ordered the withdrawal of the S.S. and Black Guard Divisions, comprising ewer 100,000 men, from the Russian front. Many of these divisions suffered heavy casualties and during the reorganisation they will be stationed in strategic towns throughout the Reich. The Germans say that Herr Himmler's establishment of headquarters on the Russian front is a prelude to a great increase in the Nazi Party formations there and even the possibility of the creation of a strong S.S. air force of at least 3000 planes. Reports from Stockholm say that Hitler wished to withdraw the Black Guards in November, but General von Brauchitsch feared it would create disaffection in the regular army if these favoured divisions were withdrawn when the hardships were becoming acute. Herr Himmler possibly went to the front to minimise the disaffection.

The disposition of these divisions over the Reich is the more interesting as German morale two' months ago was reported to be low. The successes in Russia temporarily uplifted it, but the bubble has been pricked. It would be wrong to assume that a revolt of the German people is imminent. The very fact that the Black Shirts are going home provides a guarantee against any immediate effective rising, but there are many signs of unrest and the atmosphere is similar to that of the time of the 1934 purge, when tempers were controlled only by a show of great force' with strong S.S. patrols touring the cities and lay the prohibition of any gatherings, however small, and by largely advertised arrests. Thus, while small riots here and there may be expected, the S.S. is probably strong enough to control the situation. /