HITLER'S AIMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23139, 10 September 1938, Page 17

HITLER'S AIMS

NEED FOR INFORMATION BASIS OF A SETTLEMENT "The trouble with the European situation is not what Henlein and tlio Sudeten Germans want or what the; Czechs are prepared to give, but it is what Hitler wants, and we not know what that is," said Mr. W. G. Kerry, a member ot' the stalf of King's School, Reniuera, on his return by the Tamaroa yesterday l'rom a visit to England and the Continent. If some idea of Hitler's objectives could be obtained it might be possible to come to some sort of understanding with him, Mr. Kerry added. Britain could take the lead, he suggested, m getting Hitler to lay his cards on the table so that definito information on the question of peace or war could be secured. If Hitler could be induced to make some concrete proposals a basis for future negotiations for a permanent settlement would be obtained.

"In order .to achieve peace, I think Czechoslovakia would be willing to return to • Germany certain areas largelv inhabited by people of German origin," Mr. Kerry said. "They are afraid, however, that Germany would take this as a sign of weakness." On the other hand, tho Czechs could not agree to the Sudeten Party having representation in the Cabinet for fear that Hcnlein, on his numerous visits to Hitler, would disclose information regarding the country's secret defences and other matters. In his opinion, Hitler would not go to war until he was assured tff an adequate production of foodstuffs and raw materials within Germany, sufficient for the duration of a prolonged conflict, Mr. Kerry said. Then ho might risk it. It was obvious that the average German did not want war and a friendly attitude was adopted toward tlio British.