Manawatu Evening Standard. WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1945. PROBLEM OF NAZISM.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 135, 9 May 1945, Page 4

Manawatu Evening Standard. WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1945. PROBLEM OF NAZISM.

Tiik wicked philosophy propounded and inculcated by Hitler and his gangsters to the youth of Germany built up a nation of which a large section was urged forward with a bloodthirstiness unparalleled in human history. With the overthrow of the German war ma'chine and the downfall of the Fuehrer's "master race" the world has had revealed to it some of the fiendish actions of the product of Nazism, deeds which are most revolting. It has been reported that the author of the evil creed is dead, but it would be folly to think that what has been bred in the minds of a large- part of the German people will disappear with the downfall of the Third Reich and the fiends responsible for. the criminal acts that have brought ruin and devastation to Europe and suffering, starvation, and death to millions of people. "The evil tli.it.meii do lives after them," and the wicked doctrines of Bitlerism have. so gripped the Nazis that it is unbelievable that even the terrible plight to which Germany has been reduced will result in a large-scale repentance and conversion. Hitler's teachings were the antithesis of the doctrines accepted by civilised communities, and recent reports shoAved that many German people, fed on the spirit of hatred and revenge, were not shocked or even disturbed by the horrible crimes committed in concentration camps. The United Nations are therefore, faced with ihe problem of how best to eradicate the evil spirit of Nazism and regenerate the enemy whose armies have been smashed.

Cardinal Faulhab'er, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Munich, the propagating seedbed of Nazism, said last week that years would lie needed to overcome Nazism's influence on German politics, lie added : "It will fall to the lot of the young ones to build a new future. The Nazis got hold of German youth in its most formative years and the damage is very deep." Some millions of Hitler's youths are today prisoners in the hands of the Allies and when the war is over their repatriation will be necessary. It should not be forgotten that these prisoners are still Nazis at heart, and, perhaps no less important, they are well trained soldiers. Their repatriation to Germany will, therefore, be an operation requiring the most careful control and direction if they are not to become again a serious menace to the peace of the world. Hitler was raised to power by the German people when they were smarting under their defeat in the First World War. He played upon their passions and promised them that Germany would rule the world. Under his guidance a powerful army and air force were built up and it is miraculous that, after overrunning Europe and bringing so many countries to their knees, British courage and determination, and not material strength alone prevented him from realising his ambition until the United Nations grew in strength to conquer him. If the German prisoners of war are permitted to return to their homes and are not subjected to a long period of strict Allied • control and discipline, it is possible, even probable, that another leader of the Hitler type will arise. It. is,, of the utmost Import-

ance that the Allies shall devise a strong and effective plan to re-educate and regenerate the Germans and determine that the world shall be safe for Democracv.