National Status Regained

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 237, 7 October 1938, Page 6

National Status Regained

Hitler Amazed at Not Having to Fight "LAST SHAMEFUL PAGES TORN FROM BOOK OF FATE" United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. BERLIN, Oct. 5. "One of the gravest crises in Europe’s history will be solved on October 10, after which Europe will be able to enjoy Christmas as a real feast of peace,’’ declared Herr Hitler, in inaugurating the winter relief campaign at the Sports Palace. He added: "It amazes me to have solved this Sudeten problem without fighting. As long as the Germans maintain their unity, nobody dare attack us. "In my last speech, I thanked Signor Mussolini, Germany’s friend. Now I must thank other great statesmen who at tho last minute declared themselves ready to co-operate in the solution of Europe’s burning problems, thus enabling me to proffer my hand for agreement. Above all, I thank my nation. During the month hundreds of thousands of mobilised men went west to build our wall of steel. There was not a single instance of hoarding. There was no run on the banks.

"If a Duff-Cooper or an Eden says that a hair-raising injustice has been done to the Czechs, how can one so distort the truth?

"I was moved by two things when I visited Sudetenland," Herr Hitler added. "First, I saw people weeping with relief; secondly, I have never seeii such poverty and misery. I saw whole towns undernourished. We must, as a debt of gratitude, liquidate the poverty in these districts.

"The last shameful pages have been torn out of the book of fate, which once closed on us. Historians will recognise that Germany in 1938 regained the status of an honourable and great nation. Therefore, the nation must show its power in domestic social work, which must equal in size and depth Its foreign success.’’

Dr. Goebbels announced that £2,250,000 would be allocated for the relief of the Sudetens.