“ This Bloodstained Crook Hess ”

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 120, 22 May 1941, Page 8

“ This Bloodstained Crook Hess ”

M.P.’s ANGRY EPITHET (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 20. In answering a series of questions on Rudolf Hess in the House «f Commons to-day, the Prime Minister, Mr Churchill, said he was not in a position to make a statement and was not sure when liewould be. As far as he had been advised, Hess was being treated as a prisoner of war arid would receive treatment appropriate to a prisoner of war. Major Adams said: "While I fully appreciate the need for discretion in this matter, has the Government actively in mind the possibility that the whole stunt may be a common or garden plant? And, also, will you discourage sections of the Press from renewing their nauseating rhapsodies on this bloodstained crook?” Mr Churchill replied: "I certainly do not feel that I ought to detract in any way from the vehemence of Major Adams’s statement.” When asked if he had noticed a Press description of Hess as an idealist, Mr Churchill replied: “I do not think I can indulge in this retrospective censorship of the Press.” The Germans, he added, gave a different guidance every day, and the Press naturally endeavoured to satisfy the public by recording all kinds of details that came to their hands. "It seems to me,” said Mr Churchill, "that the whole episode has been entertaining, as well as important.”