ON THE WANE.

Auckland Star, Issue 154, 2 July 1934, Page 7

ON THE WANE.

HITLER ENTHUSIASM.

Significance of Rising Not Yet Apparent. WELTER OF CONTRADICTION. (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, July 1. From the welter of contradictory statements arriving from Berlin it is not easy to decide wliether the Storm Troop revolt was military, political or reactionary, but it can be revealed that well-informed circles in London have long been aware that there was a waning of the enthusiasm for Hitlerism. No longer is there the same zest in giving the "Heil Hitler" salute in the streets. More significant still is the fact that industrialists are less enthusiastic over the trend of things, fearing that National Socialism might develop into something nearer to the Moscow brand. Von Papen's suppressed speech and then the campaign against carpers and critics were apparently seized on at Brown Houee as a side issue to mask both an impending curtailment of the Brown Shirt leaders' powers and HenHitler's professed knowledge that a revolt was brewing. Events moved eo quickly on Friday night that Hitler's hand was forced. Judging by to-day's comparative calm in Berlin and Munich, the second revolt was nipped in the bud.

Apropos General Goering's description last week of critics and carpers as "stink pots," it can be stated that disquieting stories have long been filtering through to London of the prevalence of revolting moral perversions in high places in Berlin. Hitler was not included in these, nor were the carpers, but the wonder lias often been expressed at how long Hitler could afford to be silent in the face of damaging stories. His speech at Munich on Saturday indicated that they were not wholly lacking of foundation. Treacherous Elements. A Berlin message states that amid the welter of reports it is still difficult to distinguish the actual significance of Herr Hitler's coup. The public is being persuaded, however, that a long overdue purge of the treacherous elements has been carried out. What is still not clear is the extent of the drastic action against Herr von Papen and his followers. The Reicliswehr (home defence) is apparently aloof. It has not yet definitely acted, and the headquarters have refused to comment on the situation. , The "Sunday Express" correspondent says the whole career of General von Schleicher has been one of wire pulling, intrigue and plots. This time he was plotting with Herr Roehm to return to power. Their programme was a new campaign of terrior againsf the Jews, and action, against the Junkers and, capitalists.

The plot failed, but suppression of this mutiny will seriously undermine the authority of the Nazi regime, and may have serious effects in coming days, when the shortage of foodstuffs and raw materials is expected to be combined with sweeping wage reductions throughout the country. Storm Troops Mobilise. Herr Hitler heard of the revolt plot while on tour in the Rhineland. He immediately ordered liis own aeroplane and flew to Munich, whither he was accompanied by Herr Lutze. They arrived at 4 a.m., when Herr Hitler heard that the Munich Storm Troops had been mobilised at night under the pretest that the CTiancellor and the Reichswelir were opposed to them. Dr. Wagner, Minister of the Interior, on his own responsibility ordered the Storm Troops to disperse and had Schneidheuber and Schmidt arrested. They were brought before Herr Hitler, ivho snatched their badges from their shoulders. Herr Roehm and Herr Heines were arrested in their bedrooms. Other incriminated leaders were arrested on the way to a conference of the conspirators or as they were stepping out of a train at the station.