THE STARS AND THE CZECHS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 17, 21 January 1939, Page 22

THE STARS AND THE CZECHS

Chancellor Adolf Hitler, of Germany, was inspired to maintain the firm stand he assumed during the negotiations over the partition of I Czechoslovakia by a favourable coni junction of the stars and planets reported to him by his favourite astrologer, according to reports current in informed circles in Berlin, says a Washington message to the "New York Times." The importance of this.factor in the Chancellor's decisions has not been mentioned in Press dispatches, but it has been emphasised in private advices received in Washington. Early in September Herr Hitler was informed that on September 27 the astral bodies would be in a propitious position for the annexation of Czechoslovakia or for any other positive action he might wish to undertake, it is stated. The exact date of this astrological advice is not known, but it is believed likely it was given prior to the inflammatory speech the Chancellor made at Nuremberg on, September 12.

One account received here privately, dated September 15, explained the circumstances surrounding the Nuremberg pronouncement. In other words, the astrologer's advice is not now being brought out for the first time as an explanation of events already past.

The account was received' twelve days before 'the date. mentioned by a person in Berlin whose information is believed to be highly accurate.

September 27 was the highest point of the war scare in Europe. It was on that day that Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain of Great Britain told the House of Commons that Chancellor Hitler's position was "unreasonable" and that it was stated that.Great Britain and Russia would stand by France if that country went to the aid of Czechoslovakia. Thousands of women and children rushed away from London. Air-raid precautions were redoubled. More" trenches were dug in Hyde Park.

It was evident that Chancellor Hitler had taken his astrologer^ advice literally and was determined to exploit his astral luck. It was the following day, after appeals from many parts of the world, including one from President Roosevelt, that the, Chancellor decided the move he had started with the friendly counsel of the stars would be successful. He invited Mr. Chamberlain, Premier Edouard Dala Idier, of France, and Premier Benito Mussolini, of Italy, to meet him in Munich, Germany, to discuss the final terms of his plan.

In certain circles here, which are much impressed by this version of a strong factor in German foreign policy, a move has been begun for the employment of astrologers by all heads of States.