Manawatu Evening Standard. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 21, 1940. NAZI ESPIONAGE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 71, 21 February 1940, Page 8

Manawatu Evening Standard. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 21, 1940. NAZI ESPIONAGE.

The discovery in Turkey of a network of Nazi if gents prepared to instigate a trail of sabotage by originating explosions and train wrecks is scarcely surprising news. On the contrary, it is altogether in keeping' with enemy tradition, reflecting a peculiar trait of the nation, whether under Nazism or otherwise. Put under the National-Socialist regime intrigue has been given free rein, and in preparation for the attempt to accomplish the programme of "‘Mein Ivampf” few stones have been left unturned to promote insurrection and turmoil in othei countries. Not only Germany s immediate neighbours have cause to entertain apprehension —there is not a country of any importance anywhere in the world where the barb of Nazism lias not attempted to strike. Headers of the daily Press are familiar with the _ instances of espionage and intrigue in South-West Africa, the United States, and in Latin America, but the whole has not been told of the vast network operating directly from Berlin. Nevertheless, Britain’s Secret Service is remarkably well-informed. Recent disclosures have indicated that there are no fewer than 548 local headquarters for Nazi propaganda established in forty-eight countries, operated by 25,000 full-time agents, assisted by 2450 members of the Gestapo (secret police) Every Nazi organisation abroad lias been conducted as the core o! a complex growth which embraces, local labour fronts, school associations, women’s leagues, and youth movements, the directing organisation being kept secret from the vast majority of members. In every walk of life Nazis abroad play the role of ears to every wall, and an immense quantity ol information lias been passed on to Berlin from all parts of the world. On several occasions recently New Zealanders have bad from the Berlin radio a disturbing illustration of the ramifications the information system has adopted.

The collation of facts concerning modern Germany's espionage system lias disclosed some startling' information of the thoroughness employed. Reposing in the ai chives of the Propaganda Ministry at the present time are countless numbers of photographs and pen pictures forwarded by peace-time wireless listeners from every country on earth —this Dominion included. Camera competitions conducted for paltry prizes have reaped a rich reward, always with the stipulation that the prints could not be returned. How much danger lias been created by well-intentioned, but ill-directed,

enthusiasm remains to be seen. It is revealing indeed to learn that of 16,000 German-born Australians 5000 have been regimented into Nazi cells, with the Melbourne Consulate as the alleged headquarters. In India “Mein K.ampf” has been translated into eigliteen languages; espionage lias run rife in Egypt, and in Africa Nazi cells have been active in social and religious organisations. Nearer Germany, the activity is even more rampant. Belgian Nazis conduct three newspapers, Brussels being the clearing bouse for the spy system; the Nazi Labour Front in Holland is the most powerful outside Germany; three-quarters of a million Germans in Rumania are stated to have been organised; even before the revelation made a few days ago to the French Chamber, it was known that the Nazis bad secured plans of Paris services vital to espionage. The wider the sweep of the survey, the niui;e evidence accumulates of the insidious, planned net of espionage fo foment disaffection and undermine loyalty. This war will be won with a realisation of the facts and a resolve to defeat the spy and propaganda machine.