NAZI PRESSURE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 306, 28 December 1939, Page 7

NAZI PRESSURE.

METHODS IN BALKANS.

Vast Propaganda Against

Britain.

COUNTER MEASURES TAKEN,

LONDON, December 22.

"The Times" exposes the operation of a vast German propaganda machine in south-eastern Europe and declares that it is remarkable for its scale and ingenuity. Its instruments include the fantastically large staff of 600 in the Belgrade "German Travel Agency" where there is the tiniest tourist trade. "The Times" declares that 60 dailies and weeklies throughout south-east Europe are controlled by local Nazis and give prominence to pro-German news besides distorting the truth. The Nazis put pressure on locallyowned newspapers, some of which from being very short of cash have suddenly built expensive offices and installed machinery from Germany. The Nazis also provide liberal advertisements and cheap telephoning facilities from Berlin. Even outright bribery of individuals is used. The German Propaganda Ministry run by Dr. Goebbels is mailing postcards printed in English and explaining that Britain is responsible for the war. A subtler method of propaganda is the circulation of rumours to discredit the Allies, for which purpose the Bucharest cafes are used as bases of operations. It is noticeable that the public will be suddenly asking, "Why did Britain 'swindle' such-and-such a Rumanian company years ago?" The propaganda, "The Times" continues, is constantly supported by Nazi diplomatic activity which unceasingly urges revisions of Balkan financial agreements with Germany, accompanied by relentless threats oi reprisals if this is refused. Local German organisations violently protest day in and day out against fancied insults to Germany. Britain's best counter-stroke was the publication of the dispatches of the former British Ambassador to Berlin, Sir Nevile Hender&on, which were translated into several Balkan languages, and showed up Germany's ruthless ambitions in the Balkans. The British radio is also gaining listeners because most Balkan peoples fear above all their coming under Nazi military domination.