DECLINING MORALE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24189, 3 February 1942, Page 6

DECLINING MORALE

NAZIS USE DRUGS

AN EXPERT'S REVELATIONS

"BLACK MUSEUM" EXHIBITS

LONDON, Dec. 20 The use of drugs to steady the nerves and support declining morale is growing in the German Army. This is revealed by the Ministry of Economic Warfare, which has gathered a strange assortment of articles from many different sources for expert examination in what is known as the "black museum." The analysis shows how the Germans are becoming deficient in various commodities as a result of our blockade. Dr. Phelps, a Ministry expert, stated that from an examination of the pockets of men captured at Lofoten it could be said that the drug habit had increased considerably among the Nazis. They all carried'large quantities of soporifics and patent medicines, though warnings against their increased use had been broadcast by Nazi official circles. Saving on Parachutes Mr. Hunt, another Ministry expert, explained some of the interesting features of the "black museum." By using again some of the pure silk parachutes taken from Nazi airmen we are saving £35 each time. New harness has to be fitted in most cases. Most of the silk comes _ from Japan, though occasionally it is Italian. Other exhibits, with comments, were: Seat of parachute with German blood on straps, "untested for its pure Aryan qualities;" parachute for flare, made of viscose rayon, "very sound job; stitching in pure silk —quite unnecessary." Cotton smock for parachute troops, only example in Britain, complete with Eagle and Swastika and parachute badge. Silk Suit Air officer's suit of pure silk cloth and pure silk fur inside, "very light, for use in fighter 'plane;" three samples of German pants, "very hard wearing. Paper pillowcase, first example of paper in woven and spun form; mattress case of cotton sweepings, taken from rescue boat, "apparently good enough for wounded airmail.] Medicine chest, contents in tablet form; no iodine, disinfectants or vaseline, "which indicates shortage long suspected; bandages of artificial cotton wool, revealing cotton shortage. Metal exhibits showed extensive use of aluminium, largely to replace copper, stocks of which are getting short.