“WAR AT ALL COSTS.”

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 271, 26 August 1943, Page 3

“WAR AT ALL COSTS.”

DETERMINATION BY HITLER.

MEANING OF HIMMLER’S CHANGE

LONDON, August 24. According to a Zui'icli moss ago. wollinformed political observers in Berlin gay: “At the beginning of this month Hitler decided to transfer the Ministry of the Interior to Himmler, or rather, the Gestapo, and laid it down that the announcement should be made public* on the first day of a mass air raid on Berlin. The reason for this step is that Hitler, at the extremist wing of the Nazi Party, wishes to demonstrate in the clearest possible manner to Nazi leaders who are wavering, and to the German people, that the Nazi Party is resolved not to allow itself to be turned from its decision to carry on the war at all costs.

“It; is obvious that such an announcement following the bombing of Berlin must be the clearest display to the Germans of the mailed fist of the Gestapo challenging any attempt to oppose the continuation of the war. I “It is an open secret, in Berlin that the previous Minister of the Interior, Frick, did not belong to the extremists and that he lately expressed the view that Gestapo methods were no longer suited to call forth the fullest cooperation of the German people. Frick also took the view that it was high time the German Foreign Office should seek to extricate Germany from war entanglements. With the dismissal of Frick, Hitler wanted to answer also those sharing Frick’s opinion. ’ The Zurich dispatch adds: “The first consequences of Himmler’s appointment are visible. I wenty-one officials of the Home -Ministry hitherto responsible to Frick have been transferred to minor jobs. The criminal police uill bo reorganised immediately. F urther important changes of personnel are expected this week-end. Goebbols must collaborate with Himmler regarding home front propaganda, thus placing himself under Himmler’s supervision. The new Minister of the Interior has called a conference for to-morrow. ’ A New Zealand Press Association message says that reliable commentators in London and on the German frontier interpret Himmler’s appointment as a tightening up of national discipline, with increased power for the Gestapo and more ruthless measures against waverers, grumblers and doubtcis. „ , A special correspondent oi the “Daily Mail,” G. Ward Price, says: “This* increase in Himmler’s powers shows that Hitler fears trouble inside Germanv. Ho has not taken this step except under the pressure of a real emergency. It is certain to cause resentment among Goenng and the generals who aie already jealous of Himmler's powers. Himmler’s position is now the most powerful in Germany after Hitler’s own.” “The Times,” in a leading article, says: “If more rigorous action is contemplated to steel the civilian population and repress further nuittenftgs of insubordination and revolt, Himmler can be trusted, perhaps more , surely than the other Nazi gangsters, to bo deterred by no scruples.