SPLIT IN GERMAN ARMY

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 February 1938, Page 7

SPLIT IN GERMAN ARMY

POLITICS INTRODUCED

OFFICERS DISCONTENTED [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] LONDON, February 9. “The Times’s” Berlin correspondent says that the continuing uncertainty of the future relations between the army and the Government is responsible for the tenseness still brooding over the situation. The so-called compromise has caused much discontent among the officers, resulting in the resignation of three generals; it also has divided the army into sympathisers with the dismissed generals, and supporters of the, Government. Thus, politics are introduced into the army, whereas they have previously been excluded in the interests of discipline. Tho officers’ discontent might pass quickly, if they thought that the reorganisation was final, but the changes have raised the possibility of a series of difficult problems, which will develop if the Nazi Party attempts to transform, the Reichswher into a Nazi army. It is believed that Herr Hitler is not desirous of forcing the pace with such demands, but the army’s morale is bound to be affected by the knowledge that they are hanging over it, while personal uncertainties, feai* of the secret police and the supervisor of appointments, are also depressing. NUMEROUS ARRESTS (Recd. Feb. 11, 11.30 a.m.). BASLE, February 10.

The Gestapo is reported to be arresting many sympathisers of the Rei'hcswehr in the Rhineland Provinces. It is understood that the German frontiers to Switzerland and France are being closed shortly, to prevent escapes. EMIGRANTS’ CAPITAL BERLIN, February 10. Sharp rises occurred on the Berlin Bource, as the result of rumours that emigrants will no longer be allowed to withdraw 12 per cent, of their capital. REGISTRATION LAW BERLIN, February 10. Strict registration of every German abroad is demanded in a drastic new law. Every German abroad for more than three months must register with the German Consul. Those violating the law will cease to enjoy the protection of the Reich. Those persisting in a refusal to register will be deprived of citizenship. The law is signed by Hitler, Neurath, Hess, and Frick, for the purpose of effectively organising Germans abroad, and ensuring that they maintain relations with the Homeland. UPROAR IN COMMONS. A NTI-G OERIN G DEMO N STR AT lON. (Received February 11. Noon). LONDON. February 10. Mr Gallacher caused an uproar in the Commons. with a violent outburst against. Field-Marshal Goering. Mr Mander asked whether. FieldMarshal Goering should be given an opportunity of inspecting Britain s air-raid precautions. Sir S. Hoarc: That is a matter of individual opinion. Mr Herbert Morrison: Is Sir S. Hoare aware that if Goering visited London there would be a row about it? Ministerialists: Why? Mr Gallacher: Is Sir S. ploare aware that Goering .is soaked in blood. The remainder of the question was lost in shouts from both sides, over which Mr Gallacher was heard shouting, “butcher!" The Speaker intervened. EX-CROWN PRINCE VISIT TO ITALY. (Recd. Feb. 11, Noon). LONDON, February 10. The afternoon papers give prominence to a report that the ex-Crown Prince of Germany quit the country, on the eve of Hitler’s purge. He arrived at Kufstehi, on the Austro-Ger-man frontier, on February 3, without a passport. He said that he was going to Italy. The authorities allowed him to proceed, after identification, provided him with an escort of two officers, and permitted him to enter Italy without a passport. He proceeded to Cortina. Speaking to a British United Press representative on the telephone, today, ex-Prince Wilhelm said. “I certainly intend to return to Germany. The passport matter was an accident. My valet forgot it. I am here foi the Winter. All other reports are entirely unfounded." A message from Cortina says that Wilhelm’s passport has arrived, and that he is returning to Germany on February 30.