FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 22 May 1936, Page 4

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

DR. GO.EBBELS, Germany’s Minister of Propaganda, when recently protesting against foreign criticism of Germany’s policy towards the press, said “Germany has not abolished ircedom of the press, but press anarchy. What is called freedom of the press is in reality the worst kind of intellectual tyranny, because it is exercised anonymously.” That of course is u piece of special pleading directed against freedom of the press, which has been abolished in Germany, where the press is completely under the supervision of the Government, at whose head is Herr Hitler, whose dictatorship is complete. Of course a free press and a dictatorship could not exist for long in tiie same country, for such a press would certainly criticise the dictatorship, and the dictator would naturally retaliate by suppressing the freedom of the press. That is what seems to have occurred in Germany. Henceforth, if there is a press there—as assuredly there must be, lor the distribution of news—it will be a muzzled press, which wifi refrain from criticism of “the powers that be,” and wilt nut be free lo voice uio grievances ol tne people individually, or of tho nation ai large. The result will necessarily be that where grievances exist they will be discussed privately, and the tendency will be for aggrieved people to gather in secret conclave, to discover some effective means whereby their grievances may be set right. Then, when the authorities have been informed —as certainly they will be —of what- lias taken place in the secret meetings of those who seek reform of government, there will bo arrests, imprisonments, banishments, and all the arbitrary actions which are natural and inevitable under a tyranny. The German Minister’s attack on the press of his country is in reality the German Government’s apology for interfering with the press. The real reason for such interference is fear of criticism.- but tho reason put forth is the supposed danger of a free press. No good government, whose primary object is the welfare of the people governed, fears tho honest criticism of a patriotic press. Having propounded his amazing theory, which, put into practice, means the enslavement of I he German press, Dr. Goebbels concluded by saying, “Our aim is to place Europe oil a better legal basis, compatible with the life of all nations.” As it stands, the meaning of that sentence is obscure: but it is evident from it that Germany proposes to reorganise Europe’s international affairs to the satisfaction of Germany, or rather of Hen- Hitler and his Government. What sort of interference in their affairs will tho nations of Europe accept from a Government which suppresses the freedom of the press? “The Nazis,” said Dr. Goeblicls, “would not only rebuild Germany, but would give suffering Europe new life.” .But it is a case of “Physician, iical thyself.” Of all the countries of Eurnpi- Germany’s economic condition is probably the worst. Before she can do anything to help other countries, she must rebuild her own economic prosper-

ity. Still, h is as well that she should address herself to the economic recovery of her neighbours. By ruthlessly disturbing Europe’s pence in 1914 and seeking the forcible annexation of Belgium and northern France, she caused untold suffering, and destroyed Europe’s prosperity. If by assisting Europe to recover her buoyancy of trade Germany can contribute to the welfare of that Continent, she will deserve the highest praise. But civilised nations naturally distrust a Government which abolishes freedom of the press; neither are they likely to accept the leadership of such a Government, however glibly its Ministei of Propaganda may talk. What the world demands of Germany is her return to freedom, the suppression of tyranny within her borders, and the institution of a form of government which gives tho people the right to manage their political affairs tlir'ougli their representatives assembled in a freely-elected Parliament. While Herr Hitler’s dictatorship remains—disguised though it may be—there is not any chance of . Germany being able to lead Europe, the more especially because Germany’s true opinions cannot be expressed through a free press, but only by special pleaders such as Dr. Goebbels.