Scottish Peer Figures in Hess Drama

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 115, 16 May 1941, Page 7

Scottish Peer Figures in Hess Drama

I DEPUTY-FUHBER’S PEACE AIM LETTER TO DUKE OF HAMILTON LONDON, May 14. Mr. Churchill is expected to make a statement to-morrow which will throw light on the flight of Rudolf Hess, Hitler’s deputy, to Scotland. After a searching interrogation, Hess may meet Mr. Churchill, says the Daily Mail. Hess is likely to leave hospital within a few days. Though the Germai# had stated previously that papers left behind by Kess would not bo made public, they are now saying that these papers show that he set out to see the Duke cf Hamilton, whom he had met before the war, his object being to bring about a peace settlement between Germany and Britain. It appears that Hess wrote to the duke some months ago, but the duke immediately placed the letter in the hands c* the Government, and no reply was received by Hess. The Germans say that Hess wat, actuated by humane principles. He was still a good German and Nationalist Socialist. The German version of the Hess episode has undergone further modifications (says a British Official Wireless message). The latest version of the incident declares that documents left by Hess revealed the real motives of his escapade. He is now stated to have embarked on his flight with the intention of effecting a meeting with the Duke of Hamilton, an eminent sportsman, with whom he made an acquaintance during the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, with the purpose of preparing the ground for a GermanBritish understanding.

In connection with this German news message, it can now be revealed that Hess had, in fact, attempted to communicate with the duke by letter some months ago. The duke immediately placed the letter in the hands of the security authorities, and no reply was made to Hess. This newly-authorised German version of Hess’s intentions affords further circumstantial evidence that the escape was carefully premeditated. It is to be remembered that Hess was leaving Germany under very extraordinary circumstances and admittedly contrary to authority. By so doing he was clearly running a grave personal peril. It should therefore have been a perfectly understandable course for him to leave behind letters which would have put an innocent conduction on his action *

In the German account, it is stated that Hess entertained the idea that he could return again to Germany after a short time when he had fulfilled his mission of rapprochement. Even the German report characterises such an idea as absurd. As a prisoner of war, he would have known that such liberty would have been out of the question. Indeed, if any such idea had been entertained, it would indicate a certain lack of mental balance entirely contrary to the now established fact that Hess is sane. Meanwhile, Hess remains in hospital, where he has had several interviews with a representative of the British Foreign Office, and reports of. these conversations have been referred <•0 the appropriate authorities.

Hess Is reported to have said, while in hospital, that he was fed up with the war and with conditions in Germany, and he described the great distress there following the bombing by the Royal Air Force. He is reported to have said that he had information In his possession which would help to overthrow the tyrannical Nazi regime.

News bulletins using Hess as ‘‘bait” are being broadcast in German from London every hour. The bulletins emphasise the fact that Hess five months ago promised the Germans peace in 1941 and went to England because he saw no hope of a German victory. The bulletins also point out that the extra petrol tank fitted to Hess’s plane proves that he must have had ready helpers in his escape. Frontier reports tell of the great interest being taken in the occupied territories in the British broadcasts. The local residents pass on the British news to the bewildered German garrisons. A decree has been issued in Germany that all soothsayers, crystal-gazers, fortune-tellers, and palmists shall be forbidden to appear on any German stage. This recalls the statement made yesterday by the German radio • that Hess had lately been consulting and fortune-tellers. Insanity Theory Exploded In view of the sudden \ discovery by the German authorities of mental disorders in Rudolf Hess (says a British Official Wireless message), it is interesting to reveal that the German newpaper Das Reich, in an article last Christmas, wrote: “Were Hess not an irreproachable personality, and were he self-willed, he would have many enemies. That he has none speaks for the fact that confidence is felt in his incorruptible judgment. That is the chief feeling of the nation towards the Fuhrer’s deputy—he inspires confidence. Despite his coolness, he exudes warmth.”