Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, JULY 16th., 1934. HITLER’S SPEECH.

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 July 1934, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, JULY 16th., 1934. HITLER’S SPEECH.

PQO excuse was offered by Hitler, when lie addressed the Reichstag 1 , for the recent massacre of his political rivals. On the contrary, ho glorified the deed in the name of patriotism, and took full- responsibility—and credit. In a Reichstag packed mostly by his followers, the others present not daring to express dissent, it was easy for Hitler to obtain approval, but the verdict of the outside world will be unaltered. Hitler could have done all that was required by patriotism, with less murderous procedure. If those killed were guilty of the conspiracy he alleged, —and this is possible,—they should have been given fair trial, thus preventing private feuds taking vengeance in the name of public

welfare. Hitler and his associates are too strong for opponents in Germany to do anything, meanwhile, but the bitterness aroused will not be dispelled by the Chancellor’s speech. The Nazi movement lives by the sword, and may well perish by it. Under any circumstances, Germany’s revival was only possible by a united nation making great sacrifices, and whilst belief in Nazi ideals were held, such abnegation was dominant. The recent shootings killed more than the actual victims. They have extinguished much of the enthusiasm for the Nazi cause, which more than ever, must make might its right, if it is to stand. Conspiracy and discontent will be dormant for the time being, but the Nazis must reap what they have sown, sooner or later.

Any victory Hitler has Avon at home, will be more than counterbalanced by loss of prestige and confidence abroad. What General Johnson, the N.R.A. administrator in the U.S.A., indiscreetly said aloud, denouncing the Nazi atrocities, will be the opinion of most leaders in other countries, and of most nations. Again the question will be asked what could be expected from a. triumphant Germany were she to win another world-war? Her prospects of such victory have become more remote, and there will be less desire to grant her further concessions by peaceful negotiations. That there is still much of “the war-time Hun” about many of the German leaders is obvious, and realisation of this will have its influence in various nations’ attitude towards German requests. The bogey of a united German nation willing to do or die to secure a return of whati was lost in the Great War, has lost J its force. Far from conquering the j world, the Nazis may be hard put 1

to preserve their own dominance.