HITLER'S HUMBUG

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23591, 27 February 1940, Page 6

HITLER'S HUMBUG

| The Nazi genius for misstatement has been interestingly indulged in Herr Hitler's argument that Germany's "living space" should include the whole region economically developed by Germans. He has particularly instanced Central Europe as vitally benefiting by German aid, whereas Britain's influence there—according to the claim he says he makes "modestly enough"—was previously scarcely noticeable. His claim is more convenient than convincing. The facts are against him. On record, in precise detail, is the case of Austria, facing utter financial and economic collaps'o in 1922 and making a piteous appeal, through the League, for foreign help. This was forthcoming, under technical direction organised by the League, to the extent of £26,000,000, the guarantors being ten countries among whom Britain was prominent and Germany had no place. Outside Germany, all the world is aware of the remarkable achievement: the headlong fall of the Austrian currency, was immediately checked, bank deposits increased, the national budget was balanced, and early in 1923 popular confidence was restored and a boom in trade was enjoyed. Soon afterward, a similar scheme, less difficult but urgently necessary, saved Hungary, and before long Bulgaria was receiving the same sort of assistance. It is manifestly true that in a handful of years beginning with 1920, thanks to the prompt activity of the League immediately after its formation, Central Europe was rescued by such means. The Fuehrer's way is to speak long and loudly about what Germany has done, and he does so in the obvious hope that the uninformed will believe him. But memories are not so short and the spirit of inquiry not so inert as he seems to imagine. Once again, his mental or temperamental weakness has betrayed him into reckless falsehood, especially about Britain.