IN HIDING

Evening Star, Issue 23130, 2 December 1938, Page 12

IN HIDING

AN EX-GERMAH CHANCELLOR Dr Heinrich Bruening, 62-year-old German ex-Chancellor. who preceded Hitler, is living secretly somewhere in London. His address is known only to a few close friends who are sworn to discretion. Since he became an exile from Germany in May, 1934, Dr Bruening has been in danger of his life. He rarely goes out, never attends any public gatherings. Most of his time is spent in his modest study, where he writes on economic and literary subjects. His chief “ contact ” with the outside world is the basement office of a small German organisation in London. When a ‘ Sunday Chronicle ’ reporter called there, an official said; “ Please do not mention the name or whereabouts of this office. We do not want trouble for Dr Bruening, who is always in a dangerous position. “ Dr Bruening has repeatedly declared that he is neither for nor against the Hitler regime, but that has not prevented him from being the most feared.man outside Germany. “ His _ only interest in political affairs is to use his influence for peace.” According to this official, Dr Bruening is receiving alarming letters about the internal situation in Germany. The letters are posted by German friends holidaying in Switzerland or France. Extracts from a typical letter, read by the official, were: ‘‘ I am in Switzerland and am glad to be free to speak my mind openly. “ The situation in Germany becomes more tense from day to day. The older people are terrified. “ The young people, trained in camps and youth organisations, have no opportunity to think for themselves. While they are willing to march they are far from enthusiastic. “ There can be no question of a united nation backing the Government in the event of war. . . .”