UNDER A CLOUD

Northern Advocate, 6 February 1936, Page 5

UNDER A CLOUD

GERMANY SUSPECTED

OLYMPIC GAMES BAN

(Received 11 a.m.)

LONDON, February 5.

The “Sun-Herald” News Service says that with the near approach of the Olympic Games controversy is growing in several countries as to whether they should be represented in Berlin in view of the suspicion that Germany, despite protests to the contrary, is using the Games primarily for her political ends. . The Oxford Undergraduates’ Journal “Isis” has joined those objecting to Britain’s participation. The “Isis,” in a leading article, says: “Sport in the new Germany, as Dr. Goebbels, Minister of Propaganda, has , declared, is training for the German soldiers, and the prelude to a most serious contest on the battlefield. Their pledges have been dishonoured, and sport, subordinated to the league of war, will be perverted to furthering political philosophy. “Britain’s participation at Berlin would be acquiescence in a breach of faith, and in dragging down sport into the mire of politics. We must voice civilisation’s protest by refusing to participate.” Meanwhile the Reich’s sports leader has nominated Rudi Ball, a Jew, and an ice hockey star, for the German team, surprising and angering the Nazis, Ball’s inclusion was kept dark, the newspapers publishing the entry list without comment.

It will be recalled that British and American delegates at the Olympic Congress obtained a promise from the Germans that Jews would be given an equal chance of entry into the German team.

PLANS FOR GERMAN CERE-

MONIAL

(Received 12.30 p.m.) BERLIN, February 5.

To the accompaniment of booming guns and pealing bells, the hoisting of an Olympic flag, the playing of an Olympic anthem, and the ignition of an Olympic fire, Herr Hitler will tomorrow open the Olympic Games at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in the presence of 50,000 people. The games eclipse all records, with 1,593 competitors representing 28 nations for the events.

Hotels are overflowing, and special trains and aeroplanes are •> arriving from all parts of Germany. , Every seat is sold. The surrounding snowcovered hills will be covered with spectators.

Greece leads, and Germany ends the opening parade. An Australian F. J. McEvoy, captain of the British bobsleigh team has been chosen to lead the British contingent.

The guests include Dr. Goebbels, Princess Juliana, of Holland, Prince Gustav, of Sweden, Princess Sybille of Sax-Coburg-Gotha and Lord Aberdare.