ABANDONMENT BY RUDOLF HESS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 May 1941, Page 5

ABANDONMENT BY RUDOLF HESS

Tremendous Repercussions Expected in Germany RUMOURS OF CABINET CLEAVAGE AND PEACE MOVE NAZI PROPAGANDA EXPLANATIONS RIDICULED LONDON, May 13. The news of the desertion of Rudolf Hess was broadcast to Germany and Italy early this morning-, and it will be repeated at frequent intervals throughout the day. Mr Ward Price, in the “Daily Mail,’’ says: “Nothingless than despair can prevail among- Germany’s military, naval ■ and air chiefs when they think how much Hess knows and how much he may tell. As for Hitler, this incredible abandonment of his cause by the man whose fidelity to him was a national byword will convulse his hysterical nature. Whom can he trust if Hess has proved untrue? The Downing Street announcement is described in London as the most astounding communique of the war, and its contents as “staggering the world.’’ Hess has been identified beyond all possible doubt, and Germany’s story that he is insane is denied. All circumstances indicate his sanity, which has been further confirmed by conversations with responsible authorities in Glasgow. A medical examination has shown that Hess has heart and other ailments for which he brought his own medicine from Germany, indicating that his flight was carefully planned. Rumours are circulating in London that Hess has brought peace proposals, but not with Hitler’s backing. It is suggested that there is a cleavage in the German Cabinet, with Hess representing one faction. Hess’s flight must have tremendous repercussions in Germany, where he has been not only powerful but also immensely popular. Berlin’s attempt to anticipate the news by alleging a mental disorder does not hold water. The “Daily Telegraph’’ says that Hess was considered sufficiently sane to make one of the principal speeches in Hitler’s birthday celebrations as recently as April 2. Hess’s last public address was at the Messerschmitt aeroplane factory at Augsburg- on May 1, when he paid a tribute to the German industrial leaders and workers. He sat beside Hitler on May 4 in the session of the Reichstag.