SIGNS OF FRICTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23685, 17 December 1938, Page 16

SIGNS OF FRICTION

GERMAN MINISTERS TUSSLE BETWEEN FACTIONS LONDON, Dec. 8. Recent happenings among Germany's leaders have been regarded in European capitals as of considerable significance. There is again a tussle between the factions led by Field-marshal Goering, Air Minister, and Dr Goebr bels, Minister of Propaganda. It has always been known that friction existed between them, and this has lately increased as Marshal Goering has become more moderate. There is much speculation at Marshal Goerine's continued seclusion during recent happenings, in coniunction with Herr Hitlers silences and his sudden decision to speak at Dr von Rath's funeral, which is in contrast with the frequency of the public appearances of Dr Goebbels and his followers. It will be recalled that Marshal Goering suddenly made a prominent reappearance during the Munich meeting, after being out of the picture at Berchtesgaden and Godesburg. His influence for moderation had an important effect upon Herr Hitler at Munich. In recent years Marshal Goering has greatly mellowed politically, and has settled down to a happy family life. He seeks appeasement with the West and has consistently urged an air pact with Britain and France. The effect of recent events in Germany on Anglo-German relations is understood to have disturbed him, especially because apprehension is aroused internally, where the people are beginning to fear that the nation is threatened by a tyranny similar to that of Russia. Marshal Goering is believed to fear that the intensification of this alarm can only be very harmful to Germany, and other countries are wondering when .he will again emerge from his seclusion. Meanwhile the Fuehrer, as during other tussles between two Ministers, " sits on the fence."