Conditions in Germany

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 100, 1 May 1935, Page 4

Conditions in Germany

MILITARISM TO BE SEEN EVERYWHERE. Observations relating to conditions in Germany and the schism in the Church in that country arc made by Pastor J. P. C. Lcgaard, of the Lutheran Church, Brisbane, who is now on his way to Australia after a lengthy visit to Europe. In an interview during his visit here, he said: “I felt I could not breathe freely in Germany and was greatly relieved when I went over the border to Denmark and on to France, after three visits to each of one week's duration. My personal opinion, though it may be wrong, is that there is an atmosphere, of nervousness and a cloud of depression, not financial, hanging over everything.-'.’

Regarding the Lutheran Church, Pastor Legaard said Hitler had sought the use of the Church for his own ends. His followers broke away to establish tho Reich Church and those who. had resisted' Hitler, refused to throw in their lot and had remained staunch adherents to tho Confessional or true Lutheran Church, but were being sadly oppressed. Propaganda work was proceeding on an extensive scale. Hitlerites came to the doors to sell tickets for certain objects and a refusal meant that one’s name and address were taken by what was really a spy organisation, and the householder was reported to the authorities end placed on a black list. The German national policy was carried to extremes in the border distrets, the need for propaganda being far greater there than in Berlin itself. The cost of living was very high. Militarism is to be seen everywhere and the opinion was expressed by Pastor Legaard that despite Germany’s military spirit, there was no immediate danger of conflict, but her policy was causing a lot of worry and pin pricking vti the borders, though there is little danger of war at present. Ho would not bo surprised if the situation changed greatly within the next two years, as tho Polish curridor question was a constant source of irritation. Hitler’s palace was heavily guarded.