THE GOEBBELS MACHINE

Opotiki News, Volume III, Issue 323, 18 October 1940, Page 4

THE GOEBBELS MACHINE

RADIO AS WAR WEAPON (By “Knob-Turner”) Nazi propaganda is not a statement of the “case, for Germany,” it is not a German view of war issues, or the war situation “seen through German eyes.” It may be so dressed —the Naz-s wish it to appear in this guise.

But it is a weapon of war used to defeat and destroy.

So anything—true or false—which will discourage, sow dissension, destroy faith in our leaders or separate us from our friends is ammunition for the much no Dr. Goebbeh controls.

This war differs from all othersbecause radio provides a swilt distribution of the spoken word to tin individual in all parts of the world. The Nazis use the rado as one of the most important war weapons. Recognising its effectiveness they provide a death penalty lor Germans found listening to British broadcasts.

A study of the Nazi technique reveals amazing things and gives an insight into the Nazi mentality. Among these is unfaltering industry and unremitting ingenuity, a fanatical scorn of truth and a- righteous attitude when discovered in a lie. Dr. Goebbcls ten years, ago in hi f newspaper the “Angriff” laid down his purpose in clear terms: “To organise hatred and suspicion—al! with ice-cold calculation.” Tin Nazis arc very proud of this glittery pose of frigid execution. In Hitler’s “Mein Kampf,” too. there are indications of the Nazi purpose and method. He repeatedly urges his. followers to make state ments without any reference t< their truth anil to make promise: they had no intention of fulfilling. A private citizen following this course would quickly come to ru n but the Fuhrer advocates its use by the movement because he has sud a low opinion of his fellow men. Hi insists that with a. few -exception: all mankind is stupid and cowardly. He wrote in “Mein Kampf” :

"Umy'a iracuon (,oi menj are en eigclio ana suong-mmuea Liu majority are iazy anil t.mui.“ JMsewnere lie ailils Jus opinions o. Germans: — ‘-.i lie mass' of our nat.on, that great stupid flock of easily driven sheep” who “believe and obey because they are Luo stupid to understand.” Here are the principles underlying the German method which is applied with “ice-cold calculation.” Associated with lav.sh bribery they were successful in countries where political fissures went deep and where the Nazis’ complete lack of scruple was not realised. To the credit (or discredit) of the Nazis must be conceded the fact that in all countries some of the people were fooled for some of the time. Honest jieoplo could not understand, their maids simply refused to comprehend, the existence of men of this stamp in national leadership. They could not appreciate the dark significance of a moral code which defined “Right as that which helped the German nation, and Wrong as that which was hurtful to if.”

iSo when Hitler, or any propagan-da-Lra.ned iollower lies or uoes something which outrages the world's sense of decency, he is "Wight” because he conceives it to bo "good for Iho German nation.” When the Euhrer talks of "keeping his word” lie means that lie keeps his word to the German nation, though ho breaks his “sacral oath” to others. Even the assurances given to Mussolini are governed by this doctrine.

valuer totalitarian leaders lmij June appreciaieu toe sigiuneanee 01 uns coue 01 eunes, hut uemoeralic x>eopies tounci it so loreigu to tlie oUtnuards aceepteu by the worm lor century on century that tuey regard ea it as. some fantastic brainstorm or an international n.giltmare. It was inconceivable that the “logical German nation” could accept it. The adoption of it by the bulk of the German people was the first triumph of Dr. Goehbels’ “icecold calculation.”

Yet this conception of “right” and “honourable” may defeat the Nazis in the end because it attacks any agreement Germany makes with any other country, friend or foe. The Nazis may dictate terms; they cannot bo expected to make a binding agreement.

It is obvious too, that even powerful neutrals and allies must have misgivings. Hitler’s conception of “keeping his word” must huger in Die minds of those totalitarian leaders now aligned on his side in the eonllict. This, is what the Goehbels Ma-

chine has achieved. Any examination of the Nazi propaganda must begin, therefore, with tlio realisation ttiat truth only matters to the Nazi radio broadcaster when to have it believed will help the Nazi cause. No Nazi is ashamed of being caught in a he. The Truth and the Lie are of equal valuo in his eyes so Jong as they help Hitler’s purpose. .Between the German radio and the 8.8. G., a vital combat is being waged. Dr. Goehbels scorns the old-fashioned dictum that “Honesty is the best policythe 8.8. G. holds to it. Dr. Goehbels scored successes in the early rounds of the conflict, but the 8.8. G. laterly has seen its points piling up. And already it has appeared that Abraham Lincoln said something which the doctor, with his “ice-cold calculations,” has failed to evaluate correctly: “You can’t.fool all the people all tlie time.”