POPULARITY OF HITLER

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22111, 5 June 1937, Page 19

POPULARITY OF HITLER

* TRUTH OF CRITICISM DENIED 500,000 JEWS STILL IN GERMANY A strong denial of the reports which have appeared in international newspapers hinting at the unpopularity of the German dictator, Herr Adolf Hitler, among his countrymen, and suggesting internal discontent in Germany, was made yesterday by Mr A. Kirmayer, an organising businessman from Germany who is at present making a tour of the Dominion, in an interview with “The Press.” “It is surprising to find on visl^ n f foreign countries what a tremendous amount is said and printed against Hitler,” said Mr Kirmayer. Most of the criticism is from people not qualified to judge. Hitler has done more than anyone else for Germany. He is extremely popular with the People simply because he has produced results. Through him the economic life has again become prosperous; businesses of all types are booming; there is now very little unemployment; and, contrary to common reports, the people are happy. Everybody is better off to-day.” Replying to questions, Mr Kirmayei denied that the so-called of the Jews” had been as severe as supposed outside Germany, and, in proof of this, he said, there were 500,000 Jews, at a conservative estimate, still in the country and free tc go about their businesses and profes sions. It was understandable tha continued propaganda against Nazi had been resented; but only those win were involved politically had sufferec any consequences. Jewish doctorr lawyers, and businessmen were carrying on as before. “There is no inter ference. That is probably the best explanation,” he added. “One Jewis lawyer whom I know personally is still admitted, for instance, to the high courts. You must consider, too, wha' a vast revolution took place and wha excellent results followed for Germany. When it is remembered tha there were less than 100 executions il must be admitted that, in all history, it was the most bloodless revolution that has taken place.” On being told that other visitors fro Eurone had declined to express opinions because of possible consequences, he further denied that sanc-

tions of fear or coercions of other sorts existed. Naturally, he said, if people went abroad and condemned their country they lest character and respect and might expect consequences; but he was sure that he could speak for his fellow countrymen in saying that they regarded Hitler as the greatest guarantee of peace and tha: they were not suppressed by fears. Food was quite plentiful: discontent was non-existent; religion was unhampered except that churches were expected to refrain from political discussion.