HITLER’S SPEECH

Hokitika Guardian, 1 May 1939, Page 5

HITLER’S SPEECH

A GENERAL TIRADE

REFERENCES TO ROOSEVELT.

(United Pi ess Association-—Bv Electric

Telegraph-Copyright),

LONDON, April 29,

Herr Hitler continuing liis speech said almost 115,000,000 people had been deprived of their right, of -self-determ-ination by f .insane politicians.. . . They' were torn from their, old communities, and reformed regardless of .blood, origin, economic needs, or commonsense. When this arrangement proved a catastrophe, the . democratic peace dictators, of America or European origin, w r ere so cowardly that none would take the responsibility for what had happened.

He continued: There is no territory in the present Reich which wps not there from ancient times, either by alliance or under sovereignty. The present Reich’s coniines existed long before the discovery and settlement of America jay the white man. Nobody bore the respnsibility for peace treaties destructive even for the victors. For the first time, it unhappily happened that men who. had -not fought determined the politics of soldiers, who knew no .hate, but these old v politicians, who had carefully preserved their lives let flow’ oyer humanity, in a stream of mad revenge, the forces of hate,a viciousness., and stupidity.” “I renounced Alsace in . order to promote a European understanding, not, because.l feared France. The States to which I'offered neutrality cannot complain that I made unacceptable demands. . The claims on the Czechs were no exception. I did not think of denying our racial principles, hut will protect Czech and German racial purity alike.” • 'Replying to Mr, Roosevelt, Herr Hitler said: .‘‘Mr Roosevelt’s suggestion that further, acts of, aggression are contemplated is,unfounded, and is an offence against the tranquility and peace of the world. I ask the President to name the threatened States.” ' ‘‘Mr Roosevet says that the world s moving towards a catastrophe. I wish to point out that 1 have expressed abhorrence of war. I am not aware for what purpose I should wage;-it. I ask the President for an explanation. The reason for war fear lies simply in unbridled, vile press agitat on. Ido not know what Mr Roosevelt meant by' 31 European and African natiqns losing their independence. On the contrary, nations were made in ;1018 which, did not wish to be, and never were; , “I am ready to ; give assurances to each State. Air Roosevelt named,., on condition that absolute reciprocity is provided, and that each State wishes it, and itself addresses to Germany a request for such an assurance, together with appropriate proposals.

v Herr Hitler declared that Germany had repeatedly been turned down, therefore Mr ’ Roosevelt should appeal to others. “I have had long and tical experience, and will remain sceptical, until reality has taught me better.: . He said: “Germany has been slandered in respect to her activities in Spain... I hope that we will' soon welcome back Germans therefrom. Others seek to pretend that the British encirclement policy is justified, but Germany has the strongest Army and Air Force, and an unshakable understanding with italy. “America's entry into the GreatWar was ont- an act of self-defence. 1 hope that the United States in future, will abstain from war except according to the noble principle of selfdefence, which the President stresses. “I am sceptical of Mr Boosvelt’s suggestion, that international problems can be solved at the Council table. The United States has shirked' the greatest conference of all time, namely, the League, which has not solved a single decisive international problem. , “Regarding world economic talks, Mr Roosevelt would do a great service, if .the United States itself would begin the removal of trade barriers. He should .also redeem President Wilson’s promises. The Democrats think they can starve nations by a blockade. Germany will fight first, and is resolved not to allow vital markets to be torn from her by methods of terrorism.” Herr Hitler remarked: “I have heard Mr Chamberlain’s statement that he is no longer able to put trust in German assurances. Under the circumstances I consider it a matter of course. We no longer wish him or the British people to hear the burden of the situation, which is only conceivable in an atmosphere of mutual confidence. ”,

Herr Hitler fepeatedly referred to the speech by Mr Be Valera',, in which he asserted ; tfiat it was England, and not Germany, who was guilty of aggression.

He remarked: Mr Be Valera, in a recent speech, does not charge Germany with aggression, but accuses England of subjecting Eire to continuous onpression. Mr Be Valera is more familiar with the dangers than Mr Roosevelt.

" “Palestine, similarly, does not fear Germany, but appeals to the world against the barbarous British methods, to benefit Jewish interlopers. Herr Hitler expressed the opinion that Palestine', perhaps, was a problem. which according to Mr Roosevelt’s idea, could be solved bv|p? conference, instead of by physical force, Blass executions, tho burning of vil-

lages, and tiie mowing up or liouses. rierr fiitier discJoaeg that he had made a definite offer to Poland tnao Danzig should become a free State within the framework of the Reich. As a result of Poland’s rejection of this otter, he regarded the uerinan-roiish treaty as no longer in existence.

Herr Hitler revealed that, several months ago, lie offered Poiand, firstly, Danzigs return as tree city into the framework of the Reich ■ secondly, Germany to receive a route across tue Corridor, with a railway at her. disposal, possessing the same extra-terri-torial status lor Germany as the Corridor for Poland. In return, Germany was prepared, firstly, ■ to "recognise ail the Polish rights in Banzig; secondly, to ensure Poland .a free harbour in Baiydg, of any size desired; aiso completely free-access to the sea; thirdly, the final acceptance of the existing Polish-German .boundaries; fourthly,, to. conclude a 25-year Polish-German 11011-aggression treaty ; fifthly,, to guarantee the independence;. of,;Slovakia jointly, by Germany, Poland and Hungary, meaning .a renunciation of the. unilaterial German hegemony in this territory. Herr Hitler added that Poland had rejected Germany’s offer, declaring that he was prepared only, firstly, to negotiate concerning a substitute for the League’s Commissioner; and', see- - ondly, to consider transport facilities across the Corridor.

After referring to panic and hysteria abroad, Herr Hitler continued: “On the contrary, Germans can pursue their business in perfect calm. Their frontiers are guarded by the hest army in the world. The air is protected by the most powerful air fleet,; and the coasts are unassailable bv any enemy.

Mr Roosevelt declared that he had previously appealed to me for a peaceful settlement of political, economic and social problems. T myself am al'ways an exponent of this view. History proves that nations have settled their necessary problems, but not by force. Unfortunately, a peaceful settlement is made difficult by politicians and newspapers, who are neither directly concerned, nor affected by the problems in question.”