GERMAN MORALE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 29 April 1942, Page 5

GERMAN MORALE

DETERIORATION SEEN SOME CONTRIBUTING FACTORS London, April 27. Even the most sceptical observers are impressed by the persistence and trustworthiness of reports of a deterioration iof German morale and despondency even among former pro-Nazis, reports the Ankara correspondent of “The Times.” It is stated that Germans who not long ago were enraged at the slightest ; criticism or disrespectful reference to J Hitler now do not mince words in acJ cusing him of sacrificing German youth j to his mad ambition, j This remarkable change is generally ! ascribed to war weariness, but contrij buting factors are undoubtedly the increasing food and other restrictions, j which have undermined patience and ■ discipline. In spite of the official secI reev, the appalling losses in Russia are I gradually becoming known, and Ger- ! man women are particularly outspoken | in protest against the bleeding white . of German manhood. All reports agree that the Royal Air Force raids have tremendously impressed the German people. The attacks on Lubeck created a real pawic, and refugees, specially from western Germany, have been fleeing to Austria and Hungary, The Germans are also beginning lo realise the significance of the Amej rican war effort. j The Nazi leaders favour an immedii ate offensive against Russia in an efI fort to obtain a military success which i would calm down the discontent of the I public, but the military leaders insist jon waiting till the preparations are | complete and the weather is propitious - RA -