PACIFIC AIMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23333, 29 April 1939, Page 13

PACIFIC AIMS

REPLY TO NOTE aggression denied JIBE AT AMERICA JfO FAITH IN PARLEYS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received April 20, 2.45 a.m.) LONDON, April 28 r,Herr Hitler made his keenlyfcwaited speech in Berlin this after- ; noon. He plunged immediately into a sarcastic reference to President Roosevelt's message, recalling that it was published throughout the world before he had seen it.

"Because the democratic press contained friendly enlightenment, and this telegram was a clever practical document, aimed at burdening the authoritarians with responsibility for the warlike measures of the plutocracies, I decided to convoke the Reichstag and give you a chance of hearing my reply, either confirming or rejecting it. "I moreover, believe it appropriate to follow President Roosevelt's procedure and inform the world of my reply by means similar to his. 1 want to express the feelings inspired in me by the tremendous historical events of March. Rise to Leadership "I can only offer humble thanks Providence has called me, once an unknown soldier, to be Fuehrer of my beloved people. Providence has permitted me to find a way, without bloodshed, to free the people from tho deepest distress; has permitted me to fulfil a unique mission, to raise the German people from defeat, from the most jdastardlv dictated treaty of all time. "It was my sole aim to make good What others had broken by force, what with Satanic wickedness and human insensibility they destroyed and despoiled. I have taken no steps injuring foreign rights, but have only restored rights that were damaged 20 years ago.

Reasons lor War Fear Replying to President Roosevelt, Herr Hitler said the reason for war fear lay simply in unbridled and vile press agitation. "I do not believe that every conflict is disastrous to the world unless the world is drawn in by nehulous pacts," he added. "1 do, not know what President Roosevelt meant by three European nations and, one African nation losing their independence. On the contrary, jiations were made in 1918 which did not wish to be nations, and never were nations. "President Roosevelt says the world is moving toward a catastrophe. I wish to point out that I have not conducted any war and have expressed my abhorrence of war. I am not aware for what purpose I should wage it. I ask the President for an explanation.

America and Great War "America's entry into the Great War was not an act of self-defence. I hope the United States in future will abstain from war, except according to the noble principle of self-defence which the President stresses. "I am ready to give assurances to each State which President Roosevelt named, on a condition of absolute , reciprocity, and provided each State Irishes it and itself addresses to Gerf: many a request for such assurance, together with' appropriate proposals." "I am sceptical of President Roosevelt's suggestion... that international problems can be solved round the council table. The United States shirked the greatest conference of all T. time, namely, the League of Nations which did not solve a single decisive international problem. "I renounced Alsace in order to promote European understanding, not because I feared France. The States to "which I offered neutrality cannot corn-

plain. I made unacceptable demands or claims. Czecho-Slovakia was no exception. Question of Munich "If Mr. Chamberlain considers Germany's action, nullified Munich, I take note and draw the necessary conclusions. Ido not renounce the vital Tights of Germany. A lasting AngloGerman friendship is impossible unless Britain recognises Germany's right to live. "Mr. de Valera in a recent speech does not charge Germany with aggression,' but accuses England of subjecting Eire to continuous oppression. Mr. de Valera is more familiar with European dangers than President Roosevelt is. Palestine, similarly, does not fear Germany, but appeals to the world against barbarous British methods used for the benefit of Jewish interlopers.

Economic Issues "President Roosevelt s suggestion that- further act* of aggression are contemplated is unfounded, and an offence against the tranquillity and peace ot the world. 1 ask the President t° name the threatened States. Regarding 'ft'Orld economic talks. President IJooseTelt would do a great service if the Cnitea States would itself begin the Removal of trade barriers. He should ■ilso redeem President AYilson s promises. ''The democrats think they can starve the nations by blockade. Germany will fight first, and is resolved not to allow vital markets to he torn from her by methods of terrorism. If ■*ar comes Germany will show a resistance compared with which 1914 will be nothing.

•"Germany has been slandered in respect of her activities in Spain. I hope shall soon welcome baick the Germans from thrft country. Others seek to pretend that the British oneiwlo-' ment policy is justified, but Germany has the strongest army and air force ®nd an unshakeable understanding with Italy." n Ihe speech revealed the fact that Germany seized in C/.echslovakia 1582 s® rs , 20,000 machine guns, 1,090.000 'iflos, 3,000,000 gas shells and thousof tanks. Berlin message say v s foreign diplom re P rf, sentatives regard Herr H,it:pl speech as a. strange mixture of uculence and conciliation,