OVER THE AIR

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LVI, Issue 42, 28 May 1935, Page 7

OVER THE AIR

NAZI PROPAGANDA.

INTENDED FOR DOMINIONS:

(From the Guardian's Special Corres-

pondent—By Air Mail)

LONDON, May 4

If you have a good receiving set in almost any part of New Zealand, you will have heard something of the way Nazi Germany is spreading her propaganda throughout the Empire. If you have not, you will be interested to hear a little of what is picked up in England, and intended for the Dominions.

The programmes are couched in almost excessively friendly language. "Dear friends and listeners overseas," begins the announcer from Zeeson, in gutteral English. "We are now sending you such-and-such an item. We hope you enjoy it and we wish you fine reception." In this respect the programmes are less formal and more intimate than the Empire transmissions of the 8.8.C. "Hullo, • sunny Australia!" "Hullo, bonny New Zealand!" the announcers begin. Two news bulletins in English are given in each of the transmissions to British Dominions and the United States. The programmes consist chiefly of musical items of all types ranging from symphony concerts to organ recitals and light orchestral music. The news bulletins are devoted, almost exclusively, to Germany. German affairs and trade propaganda. Even the weather report is shorn of formality, listeners being told simply that it is raining in Berlin and there are gusty winds. Below are summarised excerpts from a bulletin addressed to the Par East, Australia and New Zealand:—

"The International Film Congress in Berlin is being attended by representatives of forty nations, which shows that the foreign boycott of German films is at an end." "Motor car output in Germany is constantly on the increase. This is a typical example of the recovery of the country, and clearly shows that German industry has the utmost confidence in the plans of Herr Hitler. During March the number of new licenses issued was 16,000, double the number issued last year." "The 'Land Year' has been a great success, and will become a German institution. This year between 30,000 and 40,000 boys and girls leaving school will go to the land." And so on, in similar vein.

Extracts from the world's press favourable to Germany are quoted. At the end of one bulletin this week a change of schedule was announced in the transmissions to various parts of the world, including British India. Both Germany's national anthems were played.

A 8.8.C Empire transmission given at about the same time as the German broadcast consisted of: Anzac Day service; Cinema Orchestra; talk by novelist (previously transmitted to Empire and recorded); recorded dance music; "mail bag" (also previously recorded); Western Studio Orchestra; Empire news. The 8.8.C. programmes contain no propaganda, and are designed for entertainment only.

young life Leslie seemed unable to find the right words for what she wanted to say. "If—if that doesn't suit you, Sam, can you—can you offer a—a better suggestion?"

Sergeant Adson had by this time reached the house. He turned on the window steps and called:

"See you down at the hotel later, Laske?" Then, as a parting thrust: "You can let me know then where to send the wedding present."

"There," said Leslie. "You heard that?"

In a vegetable garden, under proper cultivation, Sam's face would well have been mistaken for a fully ripe beetroot. He caught at the girl's hands.

"Leslie, I'm only a poor devil of a working journalist, possibly without a job, and "

"And with a fine oil-well and " Leslie's colour matched Sam's. "Oh, I know I'm taking a big risk, Sam! But then, all girls do when they get married. They meet a boy and think he's—nice. It's only after he's proposed and they're pledged to marry him that they notice his faults. Now, just think! I've got engaged to a boy I thought was awfully nice—only to find that he doesn't fenow how to —to kiss the girl he's engaged to!" But, like many another woman, Leslie Cantle, when dealing with mankind, found her ideas were sadly mistaken. (The End).