ARMY PLOT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 January 1942, Page 3

ARMY PLOT

TO OVERTHROW HITLER

EVIDENCE IN AMERICAN HANDS. SUFFERINGS IN RUSSIA CAUSE DISSENSION. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) WASHINGTON, January 8. The War Department has received a report from an Allied Government describing dissension, hunger and disease among the German troops on the Russian front and also a plot by army officers to overthrow Herr Hitler and his accomplices. The report, which was gathered by Allied agents in Russia, Germany and France, claims that 1,250,000 German soldiers and 25,000 officers had been killed or otherwise lost in Russia by December 1, exclusive of the wounded and prisoners. Twelve out of 21 armoured divisions in the Eastern campaign were likewise destroyed. The supply lines broke down during the cold retreat, compelling the Nazis to commandger food, horses and wagons in the occupied territories under a death penalty. Influenza was raging among the troops in the north, a situation that was complicated by the losses of German doctors and shortages of chloroform, morphia and opium. These factors led to a deep split between the Nazis and German generals, who insisted on October’ 15 that major operations should be halted, but Hitler insisted on continuing the campaign. Admiral Canaris, head of the Intelligence Services, and General Marsch(ner formed a plot for an army revolt. These dissidents are said to be operating a secret broadcasting station which nightly criticises the Hitler policies. However, Hitler's popularity continues to be strong, and the dissidents do not yet possess an organisation which is capable of a successful putsch.