See Himmler As New Fuhrer

Northern Advocate, 26 August 1943, Page 3

See Himmler As New Fuhrer

(Rec. 1.15 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 25. All reports reaching Sweden agree that Himmler's promotion to Minister for the Interior has profoundly depressed the German public, which sees him virtually becoming a new Fuhrer even before Hitler formally goes, says the Stockholm correspondent of Ihe “Daily Express" Himmler has never been a popular figure with the Germans, who see the grip of the Gestapo reaching out to even those few branches of civilian life hitherto left untouched. Himmler, who besides controlling Gestapo blackguards, is also a member of the defence council of Prussian State Council. He holds altogether seven jobs new, including control of the whole civil service. His first act has been to inaugurate a purge of all civil servants Home Office whom he regards as politically unsound, replacing' them*from blackguards with a mixture of members of the Gestapo. “The Times" correspondent on the German frontier says that neutral observers in Berlin regard Himmler s appointment as initiating a period of greater rigour and austerity which presumably is regarded as necessary for application of many additional measures for defence of the Reich _ in view of intensified air raids, Russian offensives and a prospective early second front. Frick Holds Moderate Views “Erick also took the view that it is high time that the German Foreign Office should seek to extricate Germany from war entanglements. With the dismissal or Frick, Hitler wanted to answer also those sharing Frick’s opinion.” A Zurich despatch adds that the first consequences of Himmler’s appointment are visible, as 21 officials of the Home Ministry hitherto responsible to Frick have been transferred to minor jobs. Criminal police will be reorganised immediately. Further important changes in personnel are expected this week-end. Goebbels must - now collaborate with Himmler regarding home front propaganda, thus placing himself under Himmler’s supervision. The new Minister for the Interior has called a conference for tomorrow.