FLIGHT OF HESS

Mt Benger Mail, 10 September 1941, Page 3

FLIGHT OF HESS

A STORY TOLD The complete story explaining Rudolf Hess’ sensational flight from Germany has been told in Ihe United States by Drew Pearson anti Robert S. Allen, the cleverest news sleuths in the Slates.

Following the victorious Balkan campaign, military .Nazi elements which hated the Communists began urging peace with Britain in exchange for a British-German coalition against Russia. To ensure Britain’s belief in the plan’s authenticity, Hitler chose Hess to present it to his pre-war friends among British appeasers and certain members of the nobility. ttis trip, it is said, was not made from Germany but from Norway, and with an air escort. Hess’ mesage contained three points: Britain and Germany would become chief partners in a new Axis; Italy would be shunted off with some minor possessions of France, which was to be striuned of its empire; and Germany was to operate with a free hand on the Continent, helped by Britain.

The British, however, gave Hess short shrift and put him in gaol and notified Washington and Moscow of the scheme. This action set off the subsequent chain of events, including France's 'sudden offer to collaborate with Hitler and Britain’s attack in Syria. British Intelligence, learning that Germany was quietly withdrawing forces from Bronco bases, began the dc vastaling night 'and day K.A.l*'. raids on key Nasi centres. Moscow hurriedly signed a pact with Japan In order to secure at least temporary tranquility on the eastern border, and Stalin assumed control of Russia as Premier, and Soviet divisions began massing on his western border. Hitler, convinced that Britain would never make peace with him, loosed his legions against Russia.,