WAR WEARINESS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24419, 3 October 1940, Page 9

WAR WEARINESS

GERMANS IN BELGIUM ENTHUSIASM WANING DESIRE TO RETURN HOME (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 1. (Received Oct, 2, at 11.55 p.m.) A Times contributor, who after five years in France resided in Brussels in August and early September declares that the majority of thousands of uniformed German men and women dominating the life of Brussels are tired and wax weary. “One scarcely hears among the German occupiers any high-flown phrases about victory or the greatness and invincibility of the Germans; On the contrary, there is a surprising lack of confidence in German i propaganda. I heard a German officer express the opinion that it was impossible for the Germans to invade or defeat England I also heard German soldiers frequently express detestation of this war and say that they want to return home. One wonders whether this is not an astute new form of propaganda, but I was soon convinced that the ‘ victorious soldiers are seriously demoralised and do not want to fight. They are easily induced to profess no great sympathy for the Nazi Government and obyiously have no firm faith in ultimate victory They criticise the occupation of Denmark and Norway, and wonder what they are doing in Belgium. ’ which will never, become German anyway.’

“Although the majority of the soldiers are not really Nazis it is not safe to conclude that the weariness, disgust and general disapproval of war ' are sufficient to produce open revolt. They are gripped by terror and will never find the strength and will power themselves to oppose the Nazi leaders.

“ The Belgian people, who believe that they were defeated by treachery, listen to the 8.8. C., risking a heavy penalty. Everybody passes on a choice bit of broadcast news as quickly as possible. All listen with delight for the sound of British planes coming to the Germans in their midst, and despite being fearful of their own safety they take comfort in prayers-. A sample of their feeling was revealed when an unbacked horse named Brittanique w6n a race near Brussels. The crowd without restraint roared “ Brittanique! Brittanique! ” and slapped one another on the backs, acting not as though they had lost money, but had received a welcome sigh from heaven.”