The Gisborne Herald. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES” GISBORNE, WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26, 1941. BERLIN BALLYHOO

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20623, 26 November 1941, Page 4

The Gisborne Herald. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES” GISBORNE, WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26, 1941. BERLIN BALLYHOO

The signatories of the antiComintern Pact are assembled in Berlin for the purpose of renewing the pact for a further five years and, incidentally, to take part in lavish celebrations of something or other — or perhaps the renewal of the pact is incidental to the celebrations. In other words, the German propaganda machine is working overtime in an endeavour to produce results which cannot be achieved in ordinary working hours or by ordinary methods. This sort of thing may deceive the German people and even the celebrants from the puppet States, but the rest of the world will look on, or listen in, with bewildered amusement Obviously, the anti-Comintern Pact is only an excuse, and not a reason, for the gathering and there is no apparent justification for any sort of celebration in connection with the pact or anything else. A v/eek or so ago it was reported that Hitler had planned a conference to be held in Moscow. It is probable that it was considered wise, or expedient, to adhere to the plans, only with a necessary change of venue to Berlin, since the Kremlin is not available. It is hoped, no doubt, to make the German people believe that since there are celebrations tljeremust be something to celebrate, but if German propaganda is reduced to this sort of thing it must, indeed, be hard pressed. The military position to-day is that the German armies in Russia, after unexpected delays to their plans, are engaged in the grimmest and most bitter struggles in history, while the Axis forces in Libya are fighting desperately to avoid annihilation. In the circumstances, celebrations would seem to be a little out of place, and certainly a little premature. It may be, however, that they are calculated to distract attention froim military problems and heavy casualties. In any case, the ostensible reason for the celebrations will not stand even a cursory investigation, and it is difficult to believe that the German people, gullible though they may be, will be deceived. Until a few months ago, Hitler was assuring his people of the firm and lasting friendship that existed between Germany and Russia. Even with the shortest memories in the world they cannot have entirely forgotten this fact. Now they are asked to join, from a distance at least, in celebration of a pact which is designed to overthrow Russia. Thus is the hollowness, the insincerity, and the inconsistency of German policy exposed, and it is inconceivable that either the signatories of the pact or the German people will be deluded. On the contrary, they may well wonder which of Hitler’s present friends will be his next enemy.

The representation at this gathering is of interest. It has been boosted as representative of the ‘‘new order” in Europe, but Europe seems to be poorly represented. The six original adherents of the pact will be there and will sign the renewal, but of these six, apart from Germany, Spain is the only European country which can claim any degree of independence. Japan does not belong to Europe and neither does Manchukuo, which, at best, is only a puppet of Japan. The remaining three, Italy, Hungary and Finland, are merely marionettes who dance when Hitler pulls the strings. Others who will attend, but apparently are not regarded as of sufficient importance to sign the pact, are Denmark, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia and Rumania. What a galaxy of fallen stars! And these are the countries which are to dominate the new Europe. Britain and Russia, of course, are missing, but what of the neutral States such as Turkey, Switzerland and Sweden, or of the other vassals, such as Belgium, Holland, France and Norway? Are they too insignificant to count or, perhaps, too independent to cringe when Hitler cracks the whip? What it amounts to, of course, is that the new Europe is Hitler and his gang and the small coterie of vassal States which are prepared to bow before Nazi domination.

This alignment revealed by the Berlin celebrations is of interest if for no other reason than that it indicates the support which is available to Hitler in the present struggle. Of the six actual adherents to the antiComintern Pact, Hungary and Manchukuo simply do not count, Spain is not prepared to support her signature with deeds, Italy is the most discredited country in the world, and Japan sits precariously on the fence and is scared to death lest she should fall, or be pushed, off. The gallery of non-signatories can be dismissed as marionettes. This is one side in the present world struggle. What of the other? First and foremost there is Great Britain taking her part—and what a glorious part! —not under the compulsion of a dictatorship but by the freely-expressed will of the people. She is strongly and ably supported by all of the Dominions and India, acting freely and independently and, again, with the full approval of their people. There is Russia, who entered belatedly and unwillingly, perhaps, but who has made a magnificent struggle against the aggressor. There are all those subjected countries who are gallantly carrying on the struggle behind the scenes and, where they are able, in the open. In the background, acting with the full approval of the people, is the United States, which is truly serving as the arsenal of democracy. Viewed in the correct perspective, therefore, the Berlin gathering serves only to indicate the weakness of Germany and the strength of those who oppose her.