VON KLUGE'S FATE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25319, 28 September 1945, Page 7

VON KLUGE'S FATE

OWN LIFE TAKEN SURRENDER EFFORT FAILS LONDON, Sept. 26 Field-Marshal Guntlier von Kluge, _ who succeeded Field-Marshal von Rundstedt as Commander-in-Chief of _ the German Armies in the West, committed suicide after the failure of an attempt to make contact with an Allied patrol, with which he intended to discuss the surrender of all the German Western armies. This is revealed in charred fragments of transcripts of statements made at meetings which Hitler held with Field-Marshal von Keitel. Chief of the German High Command, and others at his secret headquarters, says the Associated Press correspondent in Berlin. Hirumler, speaking to Keitel on August 31, 1944, said von Kluge had believed the Germans, after their capitulation. would join the British against Russia. Himmler added: "This is totally idiotic. It is childish and naive to hope for a favourable political moment at a time of military defeat."

Hitler was worried bv von Kluge'i suicide and said: "Gabbling is starting. Things which are hair-raising are coming to light. The German peopl# hitherto have been silent. Now everyone is talking. I don't want to spread it further. If it became known that von Kluge intended to lead the whole Western Army to capitulation, it would not perhaps lead to a moral collapse of the people. It would result in hate of the Army. "This war is no convenience for me. I have been shut off from the outside world for two years. I haven't visited a theatre, haven't heard a concert or seen a film. I live only for a single mission—to lead this battle, because I know that unless there is an iron will behind it the will not be won. I blame the General Staff."

MOVE IN VIENNA GOVERNMENT BROADENED ELECTIONS IN NOVEMBER LONDON. Sept.' 2S The conference of provincial delegates. summoned to Vienna by the Provisional Government, has achieved useful results which both strengthen the 11, Miner Government and make it more acceptable to the Western Allies, savs the Times correspondent in Vienna. It has been agreed to add three more People's Party representatives to the Government, one as Minister for Public Property and two others as UnderSecretary for Foreign Affairs and Under-Secretary for the Interior. A more significant- result of the conference, however, is the decision 10 create a commission of five, consisting of two members of the People's Party, two Social Democrats and one Communist, to discuss electoral procedure and public security. If the commission is unable to reach a unanimous decision on any matter it will be referred for settlement- to Dr Karl Rentier's inner Cabinet. The Government has promised to hold the elections on November J25.

LEAVE CANCELLED WING COMMANDER DEERE (X.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) LONDON, Sept. 26 Five days before flying to New Zealand for one month's special attachment leave, approved by both the British Air Ministry and the Royal New Zealand Air Force, Wing Commander Alan Deere, of Wnnganui, has suddenly been informed that his services cannot bo spared "for the moment." 'Whether Wing Commander Deere will be able to make the visit Inter is uncertain. This is the second occasion upon which his attachment to New Zealand lias been cancelled practically at the last minute. , , , Wiug Commander Deere is at present commanding an air station in Ls^ex#