NAZI RECRUITING OF LABOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23817, 19 November 1940, Page 6

NAZI RECRUITING OF LABOUR

A glaring instance of Germany's callous treatment of peoples upon whom Nazi "protection" is imposed is described by the Stockholm correspondent of the Times. In Norway, as this Swedish authority tells, the Quisling Government of disreputable origin is under agreement to supply Germany with labourers, sending them under compulsion to serve German, industries —at the meagre rates of pay fixed by Nazi usage. This is being done in spite of the fact that there is so serious a scarcity of labour in the Norwegian forests that the ordinary winning of timber, a staple industry, cannot be effectively carried on. Thus not only are Norwegian labourers made to feel the Nazi economic lash, but this virtual slavery is enforced in a way tending to impoverish and therefore weaken Norway. That this is typical of Nazi brutality can be seen when the similar treatment of other "protected" countries is noted. A large number of Poles have been transported to Germany, in order to furnish the muscle requisite for certain primary industries of the Reich. The selfsame purpose, although served with less openness—for conditions are different —is being served in the Low Countries and occupied France, where resentment is beginning to be shown. Such heartless exploitation is directly related to Germany's war policy: her armed forces are being supplied with necessaries, and even luxuries, at the, expense of the subjugated peoples. Overcome themselves, these are being forced to assist in the overcoming of others. This may seem to be clever, and no doubt it achieves an urgently desired end ; but it can only be a matter of time for resentment to become revolt.