EMBARRASSMENT IN GERMANY

Southland Times, Issue 24437, 17 May 1941, Page 7

EMBARRASSMENT IN GERMANY

The embarrassment and anxiety displayed in Germany over the sensational Hess episode has not been relieved by any further official statement in London. It is known that in the military hospital where he is confined as an ordinary prisoner of war Hess, who is in excellent spirits, has talked freely and that records of his observations have been conveyed to the authorities. Meanwhile the German propaganda is floundering hopelessly. In foreign countries speculation regarding the now historic incident is rife. Even in Axis countries there are indications that the story of mental derangement is dismissed out of hand and in Japan the newspaper Asahi Shimbun remarks categorically that “in any case the Hess incident is taken to indicate the first crack in the German morale.” There is confirmation for this view from countries neighbouring Germany, where it is reported, perplexity and consternation prevail. These feelings have been aggravated rather than relieved by the wrigglings of the Nazi leaders, as shown in the conflicting statements they have issued in an effort to extricate themselves from an embarrassing dilemma.

In certain foreign countries, Spain, for example, where the Press is friendly to the Axis, the absence of comment has not checked gossip and the whole escapade is proving a source of much entertainment. In Portugal the newspaper Voz strikes a cautious note and while remarking that the German explanations are being minutely examined for any improbabilities and impossibilities, it observes that the facts are as yet insufficient on which to form judgment. It adds: “Meanwhile it may be said that Britain has gained a great political success.” OUTSPOKEN COMMENT While all Europe is quietly amused at the German discomfiture a much more outspoken line is taken in the United States. The New York Daily Mirror says the example of Hess represents the ultimate and inevitable cracking up of tyranny. A typical comment is that of The New York Herald-Tribune, which remarks: “In. his comfortable recuperation Hess is dozing, reading and writing—these two last innocent words must cause more agony in Berlin than the biggest bomb has ever done.’’