COMPLETE PLANS FOR WAR

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23372, 1 December 1945, Page 5

COMPLETE PLANS FOR WAR

Germany Was Ready In 1937 Revelations At Trial By Telegraph—N.Z Press Assn -Copyrtgh: (7.30 p.m.) 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 the statement that Germany need not consider attack from the outside because of the lack of the 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 to a hopeless, extent. Political leaders will therefore do everything to keep these countries neutral, especially Britain and Poland."

The American prosecutor, Mr Sidney Alderman, produced a secret directive from General von Blomberg (Minister of War, 1933-1938) to the German High Command, which referred to preparations for a surprise war. Counsel for General Jodi (Chief of General Staff! protested against Its submission, contending that the document showed only that the German army was preparing for all eventualities.

Lord Justice Lawrence overruled the objection, but said the defence later could use the document for Its own. purnoses.

Mr Aiderman said that Germany sewed discord between Italy and Yugoslavia before annexation by promising Yugoslavia Trieste. The Germans turned to specific planning for war after the Axis pact with Italy in 1936. The blan crystallised on November 5, 1937, when Germany decided to seize Austria and then Czechoslovakia. Mr Aiderman introduced a document eiving renorts sent in 1937 by Mr William Bullitt then United States ambassador to France, dealing with conversations between Hjalmar Schacht (Minister of Finance) and Goering. Mr Bullitt quoted Goering ns saying: “The sole source of friction between France and Germany is French policy of building un an alliance in Eastern Eurone. We are determined to loin to the Reich all Germans who are divided from the great bodv of the Reich. We are absolutely determined to annex Austria. There is ho other solution. Any move to restore the Hapsburgs in Austria would be for us an immediate cause for war.” Jodi's Diary Mr Aiderman then quoted from Jodi’s diary a reference to a threehour speech by 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 three weeks. The Fuhrer becomes very indignant and flares up, bursting into a remark, Tn such a case the army is no good for anything. I assure you the general 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.” Jodi wrote in his diary on September 29, 1938: “Munich is signed. Czechoslovakia as a power is out. The genius of the Fuhrer and his determination not to shun even a world war again won a victory without the use of force. Hope remains. An incredulous, weak and doubtful people have been converted and will remain so.” Pressure on Austria Mr Aiderman stated that great pressure, involving a threat to use force, was put on Dr von Schuschnigg* < Austrian Chancellor) when he visited Hitler at Berchtesgaden. The conference was followed by the reorganisation of the Austrian Cabinet, which put Seyss-Inquart In control of the police and granted an amnesty to Nazis. Goering’s court acting reached new heights when he shook his head and rocked from side to side in negation as Mr Aiderman claimed that the Nazis feared that the Schuschniggsponsored plebiscite in Austria iff 1938 would result in the maintenance of Austria’s independence. The prosecution alleged that the announcement of the plebiscite resulted in the Nazis marching into Austria. The prosecution introduced a transcript of a telephone conversation on March 13. 1938, between Goering and von Ribbentrop (Foreign Minister), who was then in London, a few days after the march into Austria, in which Goering, after claiming that there was overwhelming joy in Austria, said: “I believe it is necessary that serious neople from Britain and France should be asked to come here and watch what is actually going on. The biggest trick ever played was played here.” Von Ribbentron replied: “I believe that this conviction will grow here. I have already spoken very openly with Lord Halifax and Mi* Chamberlain. In

my last conversation with Lord Halifax, I had the Impression that he did not react to my argument, but he said he favoured a German-English understanding." Telephone Talk The transcription also produced a telephone tall: which Hitler meanwhile was having with Prince Philip von He re who was in Rome. Prince Hesse said: “Mussolini sends 1'; regards and says that Austria would be immaterial to him.” Hitler replied: "Then please tell M’i ’’linl I shall never forget him for this. The Austrian affair is settled. We shall be ready to go with him through thick and thin. If he .should ever need any help, or be in any danger he can rest convinced that I will slick by him whatever might happen. even If the whole world is against Hess, for the first time during the tiinl. showed interest this afternoon. He laid aside his book and listened intently while Mr Alderman built up Bic case against the Nazi leaders over the invasion of Austria. Hess lauehed when Mr Aiderman asked for a German word for O.K. Later the court saw films of German terror camps. The court adjourned. Sir Hartley Shawcross (Attorney - General stated in the House of Commons that the internatibanl military tribunal at Nuremberg was emplowered to summon witnesses, but their attendance could not legally be compelled. Transport facilities would be made available If any British nations were summoned and circumstances permitted their attendance.