GERMAN DISUNITY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20638, 19 August 1941, Page 5

GERMAN DISUNITY

NAZIS AND ARMY WIDESPREAD PURGE VAGUE ACCUSATIONS (Elec. Tel Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Aug. 19, 9 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 18. Reliable information from Germany leaves no doubt of grave disunity in the Nazi Party and also among the party leaders and army leaders, but neither side dares to give open expression to disputed points, says the diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. A widespread purge is now occurring. This so far has chiefly affected men in the middle and lower grades of the Nazi hierarchy. The dissension cuts, deeper into the fabric of the regime and is more serious for Hitler than any clash with ambitious individuals among the party leaders. When' information from a number of observers in widely separated parts of Germany is pieced together it is clear that many members of the party have recently been arrested on Vague accusations y-'-of disloyalty and lack of enthusiasm for the cause. Some have been shot and some sent to the front. Others have been merely degraded from party office. Basis of Dissension Everything indicates that the present dissension originated from the decision to attack Russia, Hitler having trouble with men who, from the start, were opposed to war against the Soviet. The victims of the purge include a number of junior officers and also non-c'ommissioried officers. They are condemned by the party as bad Nazis, but defended by the army as good soldiers. The German army accuses the chief of the Gestapo, Herr Himmler, who is directing the purge, of weakening the nation’s military strength at a critical hour, while Herr Himmler charges the army leaders with ignoring the equally critical factor of public morale. Observers bringing these reports declare that the public attitude to the war shows apathy and growing weariness, but no spirit of revolt may be detected. The Nazis, nevertheless, are disturbed by the wilting of public morale. “Pep squads” are being formed in Berlin and other cities, and are given the task of up the party spirit.