ATTITUDE OF CAUTION

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 254, 24 July 1944, Page 5

ATTITUDE OF CAUTION

Feeling In London FIRST INDICATION OF CRACK

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) (Special Correspondent.) (Received July 23, 5.30 p.m.)

LONDON, July 22,

While it is evident that there is an open breach between the Nazis and the Wehrmacht and the tendency in London is to treat the position in Germany with caution, yet there is a general feeling here that this is the beginning of the end. Tfie cautious attitude is adopted because little or. no news has come out pt’ Germany since Hitler’s speech, while there is a spate of speculations and rumours from all over Europe. The opinion is expressed that several days may elapse before the situation can be viewed in its proper perspective, and it is thought that the affair is probably the first of a series of convulsions which, if they continue, must eventually disrupt Nazi power. One thing is clear, namely, that Germany is now under the rule of the Gestapo and an organization framed some time ago to meet this very eventuality. While there was a tendency at first to suggest that the incident might be a fake to bolster up Hitler and his regime, this is now totally dismissed. One interesting point is that Hitler decided to broadcast after midnight, when the majority of Germans were in bed. The opinion is voiced that six hours after the announcement of Hitler’s narrow escape at the hands of an assassin hired by the Allies, steps had to be taken suddenly to cope with a dangerous situation. It must have been foutul impossible to hide the truth any longer, namely, that the attempted assassination was a signal for a major revolt among sections of the German home army; requiring desperate measures to check it. It is also thought fairly, certain that von Rundstedt’s retirement or dismissal was a forerunner of the development. There has long been a growing dissatisfaction in the German Army which, while it co-operated with the Nazis, in the earlier days in return for expansion and rearmament, is now seeing itself destroyed and mishandled by Hitler against’ the better judgment of the generals who are disgraced or dismissed. It is apparent that von Rundstedt would not act on Hitler’s instructions where his own reputation as field commander in the west was at stake. Rommel-carried out the reorganization, and when it was completed Rundstedt was dismissed. With Rommel’s failure to stem the invasion and with events on the Russian front, including such incidents as the parade of 22 German generals as pris--oners through Moscow, von Rundstedt’s dismissal may have brought things to a head. In the eyes of the people, the German Army has always held first affection, and it. is regarded as impossible to calculate (lie effect of the revolt, coupled with the death of a man like von Back. While at present there is no desire here to over-estimate the results of the present situation, its gravity is fully appreciated, and it provides the first sign of the crack which has long been anticipated. Meanwhile, the trend of events depends on the ability of the Gestapo and the Nazi machine to maintain control, which there is every likelihood they will do—till the next series of military defeats, when it: is expected there will be a further “convulsion.”

ALLIED INTEREST

LONDON, July 21. The War Cabinet is closely watching hourly developments in Germany, says the Press Association’s diplomatic correspondent. The British Government is maintaining constant touch and exchanging all available information with the Allied Governments.

The Foreign Secretary, Mr. Eden, discussed the German crisis with the United States Ambassador, Mr. Winaut. at the Foreign Office, after a meeting of the European Advisory Council appointed after the Moscow conference, comprising Mr. Winant, M. Gusey (U.S.S.R.), and Sir William Strang (Britain), which has been examining developments in Germany for some time past. Questions have been asked in the House of Commons on the situation in Germany, but Mr. Eden told members that be knew no more officially than they did, and he preferred to wait further reports before making a statement. Impending Defeat.

The U.S. Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, addressing a Press conference, said that “the attack on Hitler and his explanatory speech clearly indicate that realization of Germany’s impending defeat is spreading iu the Reich. He and two of his most important military advisers have now denounced as criminal traitors a clique of former generals. Hiller has been compelled to remove the Chief of the German General Staff and appoint his chief executioner, Himmler, as commander of the army. These frantic attempts to restore the apparent unity of the German command illustrate the divergence of views between the army ami the party which has developed as a result of the steadily deteriorating military position of Germany, but Himmler cannot conceal from the German people the fact that, many German generals believe Germany has lost the war. Mr. Hull added: “We should not let these developments give rise to overoptimism. The fighting ahead will be hard, and our efforts should be intensified to bring earlier defeat.” American officials today expressed the cautious hope that the attempt against Hitler, and also Tojo’s downfall. are indicative of serious crises in the Axis, but pointed out thaf the news coming from enemy sources may also have progaganda objectives, and specially might Im aimed Io create a receptive altitude among the United Nations top the start of an Axis peace offensive. It is stated in Washington that such tin offensive would be unlikely to be received favourably or have an immediate effect on the course of the war.