QUARREL IS NOT WITH GERMANS

Southland Times, Issue 23923, 15 September 1939, Page 8

QUARREL IS NOT WITH GERMANS

Fighting Tyrannical

Government

HITLER’S LUST FOR CONQUEST LORD GALWAY SPEAKS TO N.Z. (United Press Association) . WELLINGTON, September 14. In a broadcast speech to the nation tonight the Governor-General (Lord Galway) said one could, imagine that the struggle would be bitter. It might be long and it would involve hardship and suffering, but he was convinced in the end right would prevail and out of sorrow and suffering would emerge a world of freedom. “It must be clear to all that our quarrel is not with the German people themselves but with, the form of government which has tyrannized over them and in particular with one man, Hitler, whose megalomania and ambition has brought about the war,” his Excellency said. “Racially we are of the same stock and have many points in common with the German people but whereas England was successful in evolving a constitutional government some 600 years ago Germany was not so fortunate. . “Two hundred years ago Frederick known as the Great reigned in Prussia and his unscrupulous tactics in grabbing territory began a period during which the liberty-of Poland was crushed. The partitioning of Poland which divided that country between Russia, Germany and Austria was without doubt a black page in the political history of Europe. BISMARCK’S POLICY “Prussia played a noble part in the Napoleonic wars and m the first part

of last century consolidated her position in north Germany. But the ambitions of Bismarck were only too successful. In 1864 .he crushed Denmark /'and annexed Schleswig Holstein. In 1866 a short and victorious war against Austria removed the rival kingdom of Hanover, made Prussia the undisputed leader of the German states and led eventually to the Franco-German war of 1870 when Alsace and Lorraine were added and Germany became the German Empire with the King of Prussia as Emperor. “The influence of Bismarck with his policy of blood and iron continued. The old emperor lived to the age of 91 and on his death was succeeded by Emperor Frederick, known as the Wise, who was suffering from cancer and died after a reign of only three months. The death of Frederick was indeed a calamity to Germany as with him died the last hope of Germany’s evolving a democratic and constitutional form of Government.

“During the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II the Bismarck traditions were maintained. The military clique held immense influence and it was they who were directly responsible for the Great War of 1914-18.

“Now again after 25 years Germany is ruled by the same spirit and by methods far more tyrannical than Bismarck ever conceived. You are all familiar with Germany’s repeated breach of treaties. It is our determination to restore peace and goodwill to these unfortunate people who have fallen under the despotism of Nazism and when the dawn breaks we' hope to bring to Europe a feeling of security and to the Germany of the future a home for true culture, freedom and peace. Blood and iron do not make for peace and happiness. “The recent torpedoing of the Athenia recalls to mind the dastardly sinking of the Lusitania and the worldwide revulsion against German methods in the last war. Little imagination is required to picture two papers recently on Hitler’s table awaiting signature, one expressing to President Roosevelt a denial that his Government had been responsible for the torpedoing of the Athenia; the other approving of the award of the Iron Cross to the commander of the submarine for his outstanding bravery in sinking an unarmed and defenceless passenger ship.' - : .. -ILUST FOR CONQUEST “The events of the past two years are too fresh in your minds to need any further recapitulation. The lust for conquest drives Hitler on .and the moment has arrived when the peoples of die world who wish to live in peace have determined to resist any further aggression and take steps before it is too late to preserve their .own freedom and empire. . “To this end the people pf the Mother Country and of the Dominions and colonies are required to play their part and no doubt this will call for sacrifice on the part of each and all of us. “The recent magnificent and immediate response of the young men of New Zealand to the call for volunteers for a special force being raised by the Government is something of which any country might well feel proud and is typical of this great Dominion ajid its people. None of us is able to say how long the war will last. We only know that in the end we will emerge victorious. . God grant the day may soon arrive.”