GRAVE DISUNITY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 August 1941, Page 5

GRAVE DISUNITY

REPORTED IN NAZI PARTY DISSENSION OVER ATTACK ON RUSSIA. WIDESPREAD PURGE IN PROGRESS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright> LONDON. August 17. Reliable informal ion from Germany loaves no doubt about the grave disunity in the Nazi Harty and also among the party leaders and army loaders. Ind neit her side dares give open expression to Hie disputed points, says the diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph.” A widespread purge is now occurring.

This, so far. has chiefly affected men in the middle and lower grades of the Nazi hierarchy. The dissension cuts deeply into the fabric of the regime. and it is more serious for Herr Hitler than any clash with ambitious individuals among the party loaders. When information from a number of observers in widely-separated parts of Germany is pieced together, the correspondent says, it is clear that many members of the party have been recently arrested on vague accusations of disloyalty and lack of enthusiasm for the cause. Some have been shot, some sent to the front, and others have been merely degraded from party office.

Everything indicates that the present dissension originated from the decision to attack Russia, and that Hitler is having trouble with men who from the start opposed the war against the Soviet Union. The victims of the purge include a number of junior officers, and also N.C.O.’s. They were condemned by the party as bad Nazis, but were defended by the army as good soldiers. The German army accuses the Gestapo chief. Himmler, who is directing the purge, of weakening the nation's military strength at a critical hour, while Himmler charges the army leaders with ignoring the equally critical factor of public morale. The observers bringing in these reports declare that the attitude of the public to the war shows apathy and growing weariness, but no spirit of revolt can be detected. The Nazis, nevertheless, are disturbed by the wilting of public morale, and "pep squads” are being formed in Berlin and other cities and given ihe task of whipping up the party spirit.

SUTLER’S HEALTH SAID TO HAVE BROKEN DOWN. DETERIORATION OF MENTAL CONDITION. LONDON. August 17. Quoting a report from Berne, Switzerland, the Moscow radio stated that Hitler has been forced tc leave the Eastern Front after the first German setback, because his mental condition had deteriorated continually.

The Fuehrer, the report says, is now at Berchtesgaden, where his doctors have ordered that he must not be told any bad news. It is believed that Professor Sauerberuch, Hitler's physician, who is a leading specialist in nervous diseases, has had a conversation with Swiss psychologists concerning Hitler’s health.