SOWING DISCORD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26015, 1 December 1945, Page 7

SOWING DISCORD

NAZI PLANS FOR WAR & DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE NUREMBERG, Nov. 29. As early as June, 1937, the Germans had complete plans for war not only against Austria and Czechoslovakia, but also, if necessary, against. Spain. Britain, France, Poland and Lithuania, according to secret documents produced at the war criminals’ trial to-day. One document was prefaced by a statement that Germany need not consider attack from outside, because of the lack of desire for war by almost all nations. Suggesting that Britain, Poland, or Lithuania might join France and Czechoslovakia immediately, another document said: “Thereupon our military position would be worsened to an unbearable, even hopeless, extent. Political leaders will, therefore, do everything to keep these countries neutral, especially Britain and Poland.” The American prosecutor, Mr Sydney Alderman, produced a secret directive from General von Blomberg to the German High Command, which referred to preparations for a surprise war. Jodi’s counsel protested against its submission, contending that the document showed only that the German Army was preparing for all eventualities. Lord Lawrence over-ruled the objection. but said the defence later could use the document for its own purposes. Mr Alderman said Germany sowed discord between Italy and Jugoslavia before the annexation, by promising Jugoslavia Trieste. The Germans turned to specific planning for war after the Axis Pact with Italy in 1936. The plan crystallised on November 5, 1937, when Germany decided to seize Austria and then Czechoslovakia. Mr Alderman introduced a document giving reports sent in 1937 by William Bullitt, then United States Ambassador to France, dealing with conversations between Schacht and Goering. Determined to Annex Austria Bullitt quoted Goering as saying: “The sole source of friction between France and Germany is the French policy of building up an alliance in Eastern Europe. We are determined to join to the Reich all Germans who are divided from the great body of the Reich. We are absolutely determined to annex Austria. There is no other solution. “Any move to restore the Hapsburgs in Austria would be for us an immediate cause for war.” Mr Alderman then quoted from Jodi’s diary reference to a three-hour speech Hitler made at Berchtesgaden in August, 1938, after a dinner to the army chiefs. Jodi wrote: “ General Wietersheim claims that the western fortifications can be held for only three weeks. “The Fuhrer became very indignant, flared up, bursting into the remark: ‘ln such case the army is no good for anything. I assure you, general, the position will not be held for three weeks, but for three years.’ The General Staff is restrained by old memories. They do not believe in the genius of the Fuhrer.”