GLOOMY CHORUS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22491, 28 January 1943, Page 5

GLOOMY CHORUS

„ German Press And Radio T ome Front In Danger Of Collapse By Telegraph—N.Z Press Assn.—Copyright (Rec. « p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 26. The repercussion of the Russian advances on the Germans is again emphasised by the radio and newspapers, which arc gloomily chorusing the theme that the gravest days of the war threaten Germany with annihilation ■ and Bolshevism is menacing European civilisation. These and similar epigrams arc featured in the newspapers in heavy type which is certain to attract attention, says Reuter’s correspondent on the German frontier. The astounding factor is the press comment paying a tribute to British and Russian steadfastness in bad times, accompanied by urgings to emulate the enemy’s staunchness and patriotism. The newspapers are abandoning their attitude that the Russians are mere barbarians and asserting that the Russians must have had masses of tanks in reserve before the war, when they bluffed the world regarding their weakness.

Hitler is exploiting his own defeats in propaganda aiming to squeeze the final ounce of strength by playing on the German’s fear of a catastrophe. All newspaper and radio comment indicates the launching of a mighty official campaign to forestall a collapse on the home front and forecasting drastic measures for the conscription of the last reserves, including the closing of amusement places, shops and businesses.

Broadcasts to-night illustrated the gloom and nervousness by referring to the anxious, grim faces of people throughout Germany and detailing the terrific onslaught the Russians and the winter are making on the Whermacht. This state of propaganda is believed to be the prelude to Hitler’s order for the final mobilisation of manpower when he speaks on the tenth anniversary of his accession to power on Saturday.

Mussolini also is emphasising the gravity of the hour and demanding that the Italians use all their reserves of energy. The streets of Rome since the fall of Tripoli are reported to have been crowded with excited people discussing the news. Police patrolled the streets and machine-guns guarded the Fascist headquarters. Further anxiety has been caused by the discontinuance of broadcas‘4 references to the Italian troops in Russia.