A GREAT STATESMAN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 91, 27 January 1934, Page 8

A GREAT STATESMAN.

HERR HITLER’S WORK. “A really great statesman” was the phrase used by Dr. R. Asmis, ConsulGenaral for Germany in Australia and New Zealand, when referring to the influence and achievements of the Chancellor, Adolph Hitler, in the reconstruction of Germany. What lie had accomplished during the past 12 months was regarded as one oi the greatest works in the history of the German Reich.

Although lie had left his country toward tho end of 1932, Du Asmis said that he had been in close touch with conditions since through official and private correspondence, and he Avas quite confident that everything w r as progressing very satisfactorily in Germany. In Herr Hitler not a few million people, but the whole of the German nation, saw in him a man who was leading the German people out of the miseries they had suffered during the post-war years. Herr Hitler’s Achievements. Herr Hitler had many achievements to his credit, but the three greatest were perhaps, the unification of Germany, the removal of the influence of the churches in politics and the promotion of harmonious relations between employers and their employees. In the first case, out of some 23 different (States had been made a united Germany. In the past, said Dr. Asmis, representatives of the churches in Germany had played an important part in politics, but since Herr Hitler’s rise to power they could no longer interfere, although religious freedom was stiil as great as ever. The third achievement was the banishment of the class warfare in industry and the promo ti-m of the most harmonious relations. Strikes were things of the past and excessive profits were no longer tolerated. . ..As. an example of the success of the Chancellor’s unemployment policy, Dr. Asmis said that in January, 1933, before the appointment of Herr Hitler, the number of those unemployed was in excess'of 6,000,000. The latest figures he had seen before leaving Sydney on his present tour showed that that number had been reduced to 3,700,000. That in itself was a great achievement. Talk of War Nonsense, Any rumours that had been circulated to the effect that Germany was at present making preparations for Avar, Dr. Asmis emphatically declared to be complete nonsense. Germany rvas undertaking a great plan or internal reconstruction and definitely did not Avant Avar.

Questioned, as to liis country's relations with France, the visitor said that there was nothing but goodwill on the part of Germany to come to an understanding with that country. The one thing demanded, however, was equality. Germany was quite prepared, to call a halt to the construction of armaments below what she was permitted in the Treaty of Versailles, if only other countries would do likewise. The relations between Germany and Great Britain were most harmonious. Dr. Asmis, who is accompanied by Mrs Asmis and family, arrived in Wellington at the end of last week from Auckland, via the Waitonio Caves, Tongariro National Park, Wairakei, Rotorua, Napier and Palmerston North. On Wednesday he left for Christchurch, and from' there continues his tour through the South Island. Dr. Asmis who said that lie was most appreciative of the hospitality which had been shown to his wife, family and himself, and who had been greatly attracted with the nature of the country lie- has passed through, intends to return to Wellington about February 12, and sails from Auckland for Sydney about February 23.