RADIO PROPAGANDA

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 181, 27 April 1940, Page 15

RADIO PROPAGANDA

Analysis Of Nazi Methods

“Here Lies Goebbels,” by Vernon McKenzie (London: Joseph).

This up-to-the-minute book is a study of Nazi propaganda by radio in Europe and the Near East, and on the world’s short-wave ‘bands. The author is an American journalist, who has made a special investigation of this form of warfare. He 'describes how it was launched and how it is maintained, and gives an interesting insight into the extraordinary thoroughness with which the enemy has prepared the propaganda offensive. In addition Mr. McKenzie has been permitted to give fascinating details of the British counter-measures, including the now famous “monitoring” system by which the air is combed by 8.8. - language and code experts for information which the enemy may impart, either intentionally or unintentionally, in the course of his propagandist, efforts. The lesson to bo learned from “Here Lies Goebbels” is that the Nazi radio campaign, which is being conducted hour in and hour out, every day of the year—must be taken very seriously. At the same time, if the campaign is properly understood by those to whom it is directed, a great deal of its effect is nullified; indeed, it ceases to have real propagandist value. What is more, Mr. McKenzie points out. Goebbels lias made many mistakes, particularly in his Near Eastern campaign, through not grasping, or else under-estimating, the mentality of the Arab peoples. “Here Lies Goebbels” should be read by all who wish to understand something of the subtleties of the attack which is being delivered against the Democracies by Nazism. It also contains exceedingly useful material for teachers, lecturers, commentators and all others who from time to time may have the task of explaining to sections of the people what present-day propaganda really means, how it is applied, an'd how it can best be guarded against.