STRIKE BACK FOR FLIGHT OF HESS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 114, 16 May 1941, Page 9

STRIKE BACK FOR FLIGHT OF HESS

BERLIN THREAT

pjggest Raid Yet On London

Reported Planned

United Press Association.—Copyright,

pec. 11 a.m.

LONDON, May 15

According to a Zurich message Berlin officials told foreign newspapermen that the Luftwaffe is preparing for the biggest air raid yet on London as proof that Hitler does not share Hess' idea about coming to peace terms with Britain, however, all neutral correspondents report ever-increasing perplexity and l)ewilderment among the German population over the Hess flight. This is accentuated by many contradictory explanations circulated from Berlin. The allegation that Hess might have been given drugs to jnake him talk is taken as an indication that the Wilhelmstrasse knows Hess was normal, although other Berlin authorities stick to the story that he is mentally unbalanced. A German official, says a message from Berlin, declared that Hess, in paptrs which they are now examining, said he expected to return to Germany in two days. Expectations For Return Flight "The papers reveal that he expected the British to supply him with enough petrol for the return flight after he had convinced them of the folly of their rulers," said the spokesman. ''Hess had no knowledge of the war plans of Germany's military leaders. He was, however, acquainted with the German information that the war would end not only in the defeat but the destruction of England." The official added that Hess wrote saying that he did not want to speak to Mr. Churchill under any circumstances. It is pointed out' in London that the German story that Hess thought he could return is absurd. As a prisoner of war he would have known that such liberty would be out of the question. Indeed, if anysuch idea had been entertained, it would indicate a certain lack of mental balance entirely contrary to the now established fact that Hess is sane.