NAZI SPLIT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23970, 20 November 1939, Page 9

NAZI SPLIT

UNCONFIRMED REPORTS LEADERS DISAGREE HITLER HELPLESSLY HESITANT BRITAIN AWAITS ATTACK (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Nov. 18. (Received Nov. 19. at 7 p.m.) There is still no news beyond that from outside German sources to confirm the rumoured split in the Nazi Party. The Paris correspondent of the British United Press emphasises that responsible quarters are treating with the utmost reserve rumours of dissen-

sion in Germany, all of which have emanated from neutral countries. In the meantime well-informed quarters discount the reports of the arrest of prominent Nazis—even the execution of General von Blomberg. Two Schools of Thought The Paris radio states, for what it is worth, that General von Brauchitsch has fallen under suspicion and has been compelled to hand over much of his power to General Keitel. The radio adds that the younger military leaders demand large-scale military action, but the older officers are convinced that an attack on the Maginot Line would be disastrous. Herr Hitler stands helplessly hesitant between these groups.

British Foreign Office officials explain that it is not Britain's practice to reply in kind to German threats—for example, Herr von Ribbentrop’s reference to “a truly horrible war.” The Germans habitually talk this way. Likewise, it is contrary to the British national character to reveal beforehand the counter-measures which will operate In the event of the Nazis fulfilling their blood-curdling threats. If the Germans break the rules of war by, say, bombing open towns, international law provides that the victim may retaliate. Similarly, it is recalled that Germany in the Great War used gas first and regretted it later. She would likewise regret such action in this war, remembering that prevailing south-westerly winds favour the Allies.

There is convincing evidence of unrest in Germany and dissension between the generals and Herr Hitler. Even without this evidence common sense tells that it exists, because it is the German habit to strike hard and cjuickly. Only dissension can explain the delay in the German attack—a delay which has placed the Allies at an enormous advantage. Facts available to everybody show positively the existence of a restraining influence operating in Germany, due to the difference of opinion between the military view and the gangster view. Serious Dissension Earlier reports stated that the flood of stories from Germany of serious internal dissension in the Nazi Party and the grave difficulties between Herr Hitler and the army authorities has reached such proportions that they can no longer be ignored. They must, however, be accepted with certain reserve because it is indisputable that the Nazis command enormous support, but widely different sources provide reliable evidence that there are not only military reasons behind Germany’s hesitation to launch a major offensive. The Amsterdam correspondent of the Daily Herald says that diplomatic circles believe that Herr Hitler’s indecision arises from the knowledge that even a slight setback would lead

to the army seizing power. The Nazi leaders are quarrelling over the results of the Russian alliance. Herr von Ribbentrop is receiving a number of anonymous letters threatening his life because he sold Germany to Stalin. A Plot Reported A correspondent of Le Matin (Paris) renorling from the Swiss frontier slates that General von Blombcrg was shot after the discovery of a plot to overthrow Herr Hitler. The correspondent adds that about 150 officers were arrested. It is reported that the German High Command and Admiralty are strenuously opposed to a great offensive and are urging a limited attack in order to allay the public's discontent. The impression is growing that the General Staff demanded postponement of an offensive because it considered that Germany is at present incapable of coping with the material conditions necessary for large-scale operations, and this influenced the army’s decisions. The Petit Parisian, which claims to have the most reliable information, goes so far as to say that the Nazi edifice shows signs of cracking. The German generals know that General von Fritsch sacrificed himself in Poland because of despair that Heir Hitler had dragged the Reich into a catastrophe. Field-marshal Goering and Herr Hjmmler are annoyed at Herr von Ribbentrop’s ascendancy and are reported to have conveyed to Herr Hitler unedifying information concern-

ing the people surrounding Herr you Ribbentrop. Field-marshal Goering has not escaped Herr Hitler’s criticism, and recently he was told he was in competent to appeal for national sacrifices in a contemplated speech which Herr Hitler forbade.