AN APPARENT FARCE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 688, 14 November 1933, Page 5

AN APPARENT FARCE

(Press Assn.-

the majority declares confidence in the government A BIG PERCENTAGE POLL

-By Telegraph — Copyright).

Berlin, Nov. 12. "Do you, German man, and you, German woman, approve of the policy oJf your Government? Are you ready to recognise it as an expression of your own views and will, and solemnly to pledge yourself to it?" This was the actual form of the referendum on which Germany was today asked to approve of its attitude towards disarmament and departure from the League. Voters were, on another paper, asked to choose the new Reichstag, which was a mere formality. The absence of the competitive element, however, did not affect the in-ten-ity of the Government's propaganda. Every town and village v/as beflaggeth and tliere were long queues outside the taverns, which were employed as polling booths, while elahorate arrangements were made for the votes of Germans living abroad. Although the poll was open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., at least 50 per cent. of the electorate voted by 11 a.m. To counteract any disinclination to vote Nazi volunteers went from house to house inquiring whether the electors had done their duty. Special facilities were given to invalids and cripples, many of whom wero whceled to the voting stations. The President, Marslial Hindenbiu'g. after voting early, was given a great reception as he drove to church. The electors were given no opportunity to forget to vote. Squads of Nazi ' youths and girls traversed the streets of Berlin in lorries and on cycles, carrying megaphones, shouting exhortations to vote. Thousands wore emblems signfying that they had already voted. Apart from this propaganda the atmosphere was quiet, contrasting with the tenseness and excitement of former elections. Trainloads of Voters The Kaiser did not avail himself of the opportunity to vote, but other Royalties voted in Potsdam. The electioii questions were transcribed into Braille enabling the blind to vote. Train loads of Germans from Austria, Ozechoslovakia, Switzerland and Holland voted. Some from Britain took advantage of the Government's free ticket to the nearest frontier station. At Danzig the Germans ehartered a special steamer and voted outside Polish territorial waters. Similar arrangements were made in Italy. The occupants of the Frankfort consecration camp were allowed to vote. Perhaps it is not surprising that 79 out of the 88 recorded "yes."