HITLER'S SPIES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 169, 1 May 1935, Page 3

HITLER'S SPIES

WATCH ON CHURCHES.

CONDITIONS OVER GERMANY.

(Per Press Association.) PAI/AIERSTON N., April 30.

Observations relating to conditions in Germany and the schism in the Church in that country were* made by Pastor J. P. C. Lekaard, of the Lutheran Church, Brisbane, who is now on his way to Australia after a long visit to Europe. In an interview during his visis here, Pastor Legaard said: “I felt I could not breathe freely in Germany, and 1 was greatly relieved when I went over the border into Denmark or France, after three visits each of weeks’ duration. My personal opinion, though it may be wrong, is that there is an atmosphere of nervousness, a cloud of depression not financial hanging oyer everything.” Regarding the Lutheran Church, Pastor Legaard said that Hitler had sought to use the Church for his own ends. His followers broke away to establish the Reich Church. Those who resisted Hitler and refused to throw in their lot. had remained staunch adherents of the true Lutheran Church, but were being sadly oppressed. Propaganda work was proceeding on an extensive scale. Hitler supporters came to the doors to sell tickets foi certain objects. A. refusal means that one’s name and address was taken by what was really a spy organisation. The householder was reported to the authorities and placed on the black list. . The German national policy was carried to extremes in border districts, the need for propaganda being for greater there than in Berlin itself. Ihe cost of living was very high. Alilitarism was to be seen everywheie. The opinion was expressed by Pastor Legaard that despite Germany’s military spirit there was not any immediate danger of conflict, but liei policy was causing a lot of worry and l >m_ pricking on the borders. Though there was little danger of war at present, he would nob be surprised if the situation changed greatly within two years, ine Polish corridor question was a constant source of irritation. Hitlers palace was heavily guarded.