HITLER’S SPEECH

Grey River Argus, 22 February 1938, Page 5

HITLER’S SPEECH

FRIENDSHIP FOR BRITAIN

COMMUNISM & LEAGUE

Colonial Demands Renewed

A THREE HOUB EFFORT.

[Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] BERLIN, February 20.

Field Marshal Goering opened the Reichstag session at noon, the formality occupying only three minutes The 741 deputies, all in Nazi uniforms, rose smartly as Herr Hitler entered. Herr Hitler began by explaining why the Reichstag was not summoned on the Nazi anniversary, saying: “I thought it was right to make certain personal changes, beforehand; secpndly, it was necessary to make an ■urgently necessary clarification in the specific sphere of foreign politics.” He then proceeded to review the history of the Nazi Government, and said that it appeared necessary to remind the German people that, when he became Chancellor in 1933, he was not the first called to save them, but the last. If he had not been made Chancellor, there would have been chaos. “Anvbody who destroys „anv mission is an enemy of the State, he said, “whether he be a Bolshevik, a democrat, or a man who rushes through the country in the name of God, with a Bible in his hand.” The Nazi revolution was bloodless, not because they could not look on blood, for the Nazi leaders all participated in the war, but because they wished to emphasise their Germanic character. The best answer to the Jewish international slanderers was the success of the Nazi State. . Obviously referring to Russian and Spanish membership of the League of Nations, Herr Hitler declared that blood-stained murderers held high office in the councils of democratic countries. He said that the figure of 500,000 people murdered in Red Spain was rather too low than too high. The post-war suffering in Germany he attributed to the demands of the merciless enemy. Germany owed nothing to foreign countries for, being economically sound tp-day. “For fifteen years after 1918, we were n spineless and hopeless object of international oppression, which, in the name of democratic ideals, thrashed our people with the cruel whip of truly sadistic egotism.”

GERMAN PROGRESS.

Herr Hitler, in a review of the present day, said that the increase in the exports of Germany’s steel production would this year be 1,000,000 tons, thus taking second place to the United States. Iron production would be quadrupled by 1940, and in other spheres mills were being made capable of production on a gigantic scale. At the end of 1937, German shipyards had 370,000 tons of shipping under construction for home orders, and 350,000 tons for foreign orders. Other contracts for 400,000 tons could not be executed. The orders did not include naval construction.

Germany had now over 100 aerodromes, not including military aerodromes. Her motor roads were the biggest building enterprise in the world, and there were 3400 bridges in connection with this scheme. Herr Hitler, describing welfare undertakings, said that 1,850,000 young men and 120,000 girls had pass ed through the schools of the Laboqr. Service.

Herr Hitler repeatedly described hi« facts as confuting the notorious Jewish international slanderers. He dwelt upon how it was necessary for him to take far-reaching measures and said: “Whoever regards himself as obliged to undertake the mission of leading a people, is not responsible to the laws of parliamentary usage, or to a certain democratic outloo»k, but is responsible exclusively to the mission imposed upon him.” Among Herr Hitler’s claims was that 1,160,000 babies had been presented to the nation, since the Nazis assumed power. Herr Hitler announced that, in order to give Germany the position in the world it needs for carrying out its vital tasks, additional production of armaments was being undertaken. The Nazi policy had reduced unemployed from 6,500,000 to 470,000.

ARMY CHANGES.

Herr Hitler, referring to the recent army crisis, said: “The Nazi Party is proud and happy concerning the armed forces. I thank General von Blomberg, in the name of the German people, for his work, which will al* ways be remembered. The same applies to General Fritach, and those who retired from their posts in an honourable manner. I have no need to defend the honour of the German Officers Corps, against the slander of international agitators.”

LONDON DEMAND FOR

COLONIES.

Herr Hitler then came to the question of colonies. He said that the industrial situation was difficult, because Germany had 140 persons to the square kilometre. There was a lack of fertile soil, and no great mineral resources. “The demand for colonies will ring louder from year to year. Germany would never have taken away from anybody. They are worthless to others, but indispensable for us. We are no longer in the League because we believe that it is an institution of Versailles injustice. Germany, since Italy’s withdrawal, no longer thinks of ever returning to the League she will not allow herself to. be dragged into foreign conflicts, “We believe that we must help those countries which, through misfortune, have been brought to depend on the League. Thus, in the case of the Abyssinian war, we would have desired the League to be more understanding of Italian necessities. We are not willing to defend the territorial and economic interests of other States, where we ourselves have nothing to gain. Moreover, we do not expect such support from other countries. Germany has resolved to limit herself to her own interests and claims. We have no intention of allowing our .attitude to be laid down by an international body. Only with one State have we not sought to improve our relations, but we do not desire to do so. We regard Bolshevism as the incarnation of ths.

spirit of destruction. We do not hold the Russian people responsible. It is a small Jewish international clique which holds Russia in this condition.”

JAPAN AND RUSSIA.

Referring to Japan, Herr Hitler said: “We fear that a Japanese defeat in the Far East will never benefit Europe or America, but will exclusively benefit Soviet Russia. The greatest Japanese victory would be less dangerous than a Bolshevist victory. Peace would already have been established in the Far East, if certain forces had not supported Japan’s opponents. I will always regard Japan as an element of security in regard to culture and humanity.

“In Spain, also, we see a democratic country siding with Bolshevist incendiaries. Spain, in the event of a Red victory, would become a branch ol Moscow. We are happy that Italy shares our view. German-Italian friendship has led to the stabilisation of European peace, and the connection of both States with Japan will stop the advance of Bolshevism.

RESPECT FOR BRITAIN.

“There has been recent talks of differences between Germany on one side, and England and France on the other. Ido not know wherein these differences exist. With the return of the Saar to Germany, a period of Franco-German differences ended. Germany has no differences with England, unless in the matter of our colonial wishes. The only thing which poisons the international atmosphere is the Press campaign. The British Government desires the limitation of armaments, but I regard as far more important the stopping of the slanderous Press campaign, which is poisoning the world. The interests of the British Empire are great and are respected by us."

SCHUSCHNIGG PRAISED.

Herr Hitler, referring to Austria, said that in two States on the frontiers of Germany, there were over 10,000,000 Germans, who were prevented from reunion with Germany. It was unbearable permanently to know that there were national comrades living outside Germany who must suffer for their German sympathies. After an allusion to friendship with Poland, Herr Hitler thanked Dr. Schuschnigg for accepting the invitation, and his readiness to co-operate in the task of pacification. What had been discussed was only supplementary to the agreement of July 11, 1936. The Nazis in Austria now had the same rights as other citizens. Herr Hitler said: “It is my sincere wish that our relations with Italy and Japan may be intensified. The Germans are not a warlike people, but a soldiering nation. They do not desire war, but are not afraid of it.” Herr Hitler made a lengthy comparison of revolutions, and contrasted that of the Nazis, which he described as disciplined, bloodless and destructionless, with the massacres in the French, Soviet, and Spanish revolutions.

Concluding his citation of statistics, Herr Hitler proudly declaimed to the accompaniment of cheers, that the youth movement had 7,000,000 members. Births had increasea from 970,000 in 1932 to 1,270,000 in 1937, which was proof of confidence in future success of the blessings of the Lord.

He concluded his speech, which lasted two hours and 53 minutes, with: “Long live the Reich and the nation!” The deputies cheered three times, and sang “Deutschland Über Alles,” 1 and the Horstwessel Song. Herr Hitler’s speech, which began at 12.3 p.m., finished at 2.55 p.m. His voice at first, was clear and resonant, but later he coughed a good deal. BERLIN, February 20.

Crowds, massed before loud-speak-ers in front of the Opera House, and in suburban cafes, cheered at every point in Herr Hitler’s speech.

In Europe

FRENCH RELIEF.

[Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] PARIS, February 20.

Pending the result of the British Cabinet deliberations, diplomatists, though regarding certain parts of Herr Hitler’s speech as strongly worded, consider that it leaves the way open to conversations.

AUSTRIAN RECEPTION.

VIENNA, February 20.

Crowds, mostly Nazis, listened in the restaurants, applauding whenever they heard the Opera House applause, and cheering frantically at any reference to Austria. Catholic clericals are disappointed at Herr Hitler’s omission to emphasise Austrian independence, but it is pointed out that the July agreement cover this. No swastika flags were seen m the Viennese streets, but the Nazis have resumed their triumphant demonstrations in Graz. The police are not interfering.

ITALY IMPRESSED.

ROME, February 20. All Italy listened to Herr Hitler, The impression is generally favourable. His remark that Germany would not tolerate the Bolshevisation of Spain is particularly appreciated. PRAGUE, February 20. Herr Hitler’s speech did not favourably impress those in political circles, who declare that Czechoslovakia will not discuss minorities, except in Geneva. WARSAW, February 20. Loud-speakers throughout Poland were jammed, rendering the latter part of Herr Hitler’s speech unintelligible. Engineers suspect interference from a Soviet station.

WELL PLANNED SHOW

[Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.J LONDON, February 19. A message from Berlin says that theatricalism has run wild in the elaborate preparations for Herr Hitler’s Reichstag speech in the Kroll Opera House. The general effects and lighting have been designed by the scenic artist, Benno von Arent. Behind Herr Hitler’s head will shine a huge sun framed with gold and surmounted by a German eagle with a wingspread of 30 feet. Arent has designed a special tribune from which Herr Hitler will address the deputies. The walls on both sides and behind the tribune are hung with velvet decorated with swastikas. Banks of flowers complete the picture. The outside of the building is decorated with garlands and festoons. All sporting events on

Sunday have been postponed until b p.m. All restaurants and cinemas are ordered to arrange for radio reception of the speech.

Austria Bitter

HITLER FAILS TO KEEP

PROMISE.

(Received February 21, 9.30 p.m.) VIENNA, February 21.

Great bitterness and fears. regarding the future are aroused by Herr Hitler’s non-fulfilment of his promise to Dr. Schuschnigg, that if he accepted the Berchtesgaden Agreement, which was made under the threat of invasion, his speech would definitely recognise Austrian independence and the political monopoly of the Fatherland Front; also a guarantee that official Germany and the Nazis would no longer financially and morally support the Austrian Nazis.

Reports, from Czechoslavakia indicate an equally ominous feeling arising from Herr Hitler’s declaration, regarding Germans abroad, of whom three million are in Czechoslovakia.

NO BOMBSHELLS !

NEW YORK COMMENT.

(Received February 21, 10.50 p.m.) NEW YORK, February 20.

“Of Herr Hitler’s speech, it must be said that while it did not make open threats, it did not bring any real assurances,” says the “New York Times” in an editorial. “It is less sensational than some other speeches of Herr Hitler, and did not explode any political bombshells. He failed to announce as some predicted, that Germany would move immediately to transform a cold anschluss with Austria, into annexation.” “The Times” addsff “Herr Hitler failed to assert that immediate demands would be made to Czechoslovakia to end its defensive alliance with Russia and enter the orbit of German power. Despite the omission of such demands, and despite the reiteration of Germany’s desire to co-operate in a peaceful solution of international problems, the speech does not give an assurance on those points where doubts have been largest, and accordingly most needed by them. Herr Hitler asserts, but does not seek territory in France, Spain and the Far East, but significantly omits reference to the territories in that quarter of the world to which German ambitions are most plainly directed, namely the Central and Eastern Europe groups.

Vienna Mobs

CHARGED BY POLICE.

(Received February 21, 10.30 p.m.) s VIENNA, February 21.

Police used sabres and rubber truncheons to disperse a thousand Nazis demonstrating outside the headquarters of the Fatherland Front. Thousands of opposing factionists paraded the streets throughout the night. The Nazis sang German songs outside the German Embassy. Others formed a procession and marched through the Jewish quarters, shouting anti-Sbmitic slogans.

Nazis in Austria

BOUND BY CONSTITUTION.

VIENNA, February 20.

An official communique states: “Austrian Nazis may conduct legal activities within the framework of the Fatherland Front like all other Austrian organisations, but such activities must be based on the Constitution which, as previously, excludes political parties. Germany will exclude interference in the internal affairs of Austria, which will not contribute to satisfactory development. No further measures connected with the Berchtesgaden talks can be expected.” The Vienna correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says the Nazis are endeavouring to extort further concessions from the Austrian Government, and have secured the removal of the Fatherland Fronts propaganda chief, Herr Baeck. The release of political prisoners has continued until the entire 700 are liberated, including the terrorist Fritz Woitsche, who was conducted to the frontier as an undesirable person. Dr. Leopold Taws was arrested-for high treason against Germany. LONDON, February 20. It is reported from Paris that M. Corbin had a long interview with the Foreign Minister (M. Yvon Delbos), detailing the British attitude to Austria and to the proposed future AngloFrench action.

REPORT CONFIRMED.

ANGLO-FRENCH ACTION.

(Received February 21, 11.50 p.m.) LONDON, February 21. It is confirmed that the French Government has asked Britain to join in an approach to Germany concerning Austria particularly, and also Central Europe, and make it plain that neither should tolerate further German encroachment on Austrian sovereignty nor permit an extension of German influence elsewhere by means of a “fait accompli,” says the Paris correspondent of "The Times.

Hitler and Mussolini

U.S. REPORT OF THEIR PLAN.

MR DODD STATED AS

AUTHORITY.

(Received February 21, 7.45 p.m.) WASHINGTON, February 20. A member of the House Committee, dealing with foreign affairs, whose name is withheld, disclosed that Mr W. E. Dodd, formerly U.S. Ambassador to Germany, who made a bitter attack on Herr Hitler on January 13th, testified in secret, revealing an alleged plan by which Italy and Germany may attempt, to gain complete control of Danubianl Europe and the ‘Mediterranean. The United Press Correspondent adds that Mr Dodd was quoted as saying that he had seen maps in Berlin, outlining in brown the domain Germany wants. It included the Netherlands, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia and the Polish Corridor, also whatever could be obtained through the Nazification of Austria and the Balkans. . Signor Mussolini was eyeing Spam, Egypt and Palestine. Mr Dodd pointed out that with powerful fortifications in the south of Spain and in Spanish Morocco,

Italy could virtually nullify Great Britain’s position on Gibraltar, and he added that Italy and Germany would probably not resort to arms except as a last means of gaining their objectives. The United Press correspondent was unable to reach Mr Dodd for a confirmation of his revelations.

RUMANIAN DICTATORSHIP.

ON CO-OPERATIVE BASIS.

(Received February 21, 10.30 p.m.) BUCHAREST, February 21. A dictatorial constitution, bearing only King Carol’s signature was announced by wireless, and it was stated that early to-day Parliament was reorganised on a co-operative basis with women to receive the vote. The voting age is raised from twenty-one years to thirty. Legislative power is vested in the King, acting through Parliament. Equal rights are assured all minorities. Trial by jury is abolished.