Papen’s Words Construed As Bid For Peace With Britain

Northern Advocate, 19 November 1941, Page 5

Papen’s Words Construed As Bid For Peace With Britain

LONDON, November 18. J>OTH SIDES SPOKE TOO MUCH ABOUT AN IDEOLOGICAL WAR AND THREATENED NOT TO CEASE FIGHTING UNTIL THE ENEMY WAS ANNIHILATED, THEREFORE IT WAS INCOMPREHENSIBLE TO PERCEIVE HOW AN INVITATION TO DOWN ARMS COULD BE ACCEPTED, SAID THE GERMAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY (VON PAPEN) IN HIS RECENT INTERVIEW GIVEN IN ANKARA, AS PUBLISHED YESTERDAY IN THE SPANISH NEWSPAPER “VANGUARDIA,” A FALANGIST JOURNAL IN BARCELONA. Interpretations of the interview have been given by various correspondents, but apparently it was intended for publication only in Spain. Another version was published last Monday. von Papen said ho hoped that “the growing difficulties, prolongation of the war against the Communists and their extermination, will bring wiser counsels to all Governments.”

When Eastern War Ends? He added that Britain would be obliged to put forth enormous efforts to carry on the war when the conclusion of the eastern campaign would imperil the Empire’s bastions. It was laughable to attribute President Inonu’s recent reference to Turkey as a peace mediator to German pressure or wishes. Von Papen is also reported to have told the “Vanguardia’s” representative that the Russian campaign was extremely costly to both sides and to have said that Turkey would be expected to give Germany transit facilities for an attack on Egypt. The interview is generally interpreted by correspondents as a new hid by Germany for peace with Britain, with Turkey as mediator, when Germany has concluded what is described as the “decisive stage” of the campaign in Russia. Hesitant, Uncertain Policy The Germans are stated to be anxious that reports of a peace offensive should not reach the ears of the German people and the Italians, as they might be interpreted as signs of weakness. According to one correspondent, a German official described the reports as “hypocritical” and added that it was “to our and everyone’s surprise.” In view of the recent repudiation by the Wilhelmstrasse of the reported German intention of launching a peace offensive, says the British Official Wireless, the interview given by von Papen to neutral journalists is viewed with interest in London. It clearly reveals the hesitation and uncertainty of German policy in the face of the third winter of the war, with the Russian campaign still without any signs of finishing. Pressure on Neutrals Von Papen is reported to have uttered threats to Britain if she refused an armistice, and to the occupied countries if they declined to assist Germany in her aims. This would seem to confirm the belief in London that Germany has put, or intends to put, pressure on European neutrals in connection with her projected peace plans.

Another interesting point is his reported reference to the likelihood of Germany’s exhaustion as a result of the Russian campaign, and the implied admission that she will be in no position to exploit Russian resources immediately. The possibility of von Papen attempting to present a picture of a weakened and exhausted Germany, in order to induce neutrals to relax their vigilance, has not escaped notice. His threat that the new order will be imposed on Europe by force and starvation, if necessary, shows that the Nazis themselves are under no illusions as to the unpopularity of their new order, or as to the possibility of its unopposed acceptance.