THROUGH WAR TO WORLD POWER

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23376, 6 December 1945, Page 5

THROUGH WAR TO WORLD POWER

Nazi Ambitions Plans Of Aggression

By Telegraph—N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyrlghi (7.30 p.m.) NUREMBERG, Dec. 4. Sir Hartley Shawcross, continuing the presentation of the British case at the trial of Nazi war criminals, quoted from a file on the reconstruction of the German navy in September, 1938, which stated that Germany could only secure the colonial possessions and ocean communications necessary to constitute her a world Power with the consent of Britain and France, which was unlikely to be achieved peacefully, therefore preparations must be made for war. War against England meant war against the Empire, against France and probably against Russia; in fact, against half of a third of the world. Sir Hart'-y Shawcross described Germany’s attack on Russia as the most blatant of ail Nazi frauds, because, when von Ribbentrop said the step was taken because the Red Army was threatening the German borders, he was in possession of a report from the German Ambassador in Moscow saying: "Stalin and Molotov, who alone are responsible for Russian foreign policy, are doing everything to avoid conflict with Germany.” The prosecution Quoted records from a conference in Berlin at which it was stated: “The war can only be

tinued. If all our armed forces are fed out of Russia. In a third of a. year many millions of Russians will starve to death, when we take from their country the things necessary for us.” Prisoners Excited The prisoners, who had sat stolidly throughout the earlier passages of Sir Hartley Shawcross’ address, came to life during the afternoon when the British prosecutor referred to the actual aggressions. There were excited, nodding heads and much note taking. The faces of the prisoners fell perceptibly when Sir Hartley Shawcross explained that although Britain and France declared war on Germany, it was Germany who was the aggressor by reason of her attack against a nation which Britain and France were committed to support. The Tribunal adjourned. Sir Hartley had the Nazis squirming in their seats and grimacing in protest. complaining: “It is not fair. We are not as bad as that,” says the correspondent of the “Daily Mail.” Goering led the party in headshaking expostulation. Von Ribbentrop protested at the statement that the Germans had made agreements intended to lull their victims into a sense of security. “This is a bit thick.” said Goering to Hess, when Sir Hartley Shawcross said that the Nazis sought to revert to international anarchy. One defence counsel commented: “The longer this goes on, the smaller we will look.” The banker. Dr. Schacht, who announced his confidence in his ability to clear himself, became abashed and appeared to shrink into his tail white collar. Counsel Hits Out Mr Justice Jackson (U.S. counsel) lashed out to-day at the critics who are claiming that his prosecution of the German General Staff is discrediting the profession of soldiering. The Nuremberg correspondent cf the American Press says that a whispering campaign which smouldered among senior American officers in the European theatre was brought out into the accusation against Hitler’s military leaders. Questions whether German officers should be tried as war criminals has been widely discussed in the Occupation Armies.

At the time of Justice Jackson’s appointment it was said that President Roosevelt wanted the civilian court to try Germany’s leaders, because he feared that a military tribunal would be disinclined to convict other generals. Mr Justice Jackson replying said, “We are not pursuing the militarists for serving their country, but for driving it to war. These men did not act only as simple professional soldiers. They Immersed themselves in Hitler's policies, because the Nazis gave them what they wanted—war.” Hess Loses Privileges Hess’s recovery of his memory cost him one of the privileges he most obviously enjoyed, says the Nuremberg correspondent of the American Press. He is no longer permitted to read novels in court. However, it gained for him the advantage that he is no longed shackled or handcuffed to someone else when exercising. Security officials take the view that Hess should now be able to remember that it is useless to escape. The literary tastes of the prisoners vary a good deal. Hess reads anything from thrillers to Goethe. Von Ribbentrop seems fascinated by Jules Verne. Schacht is the most voracious reader of all. with strictly classical tastes. Von Schirach is also a devotee of Goethe and spent some time, while imprisoned, translating Tennyson into German. Jodi prefers anything concerned with mountaineering, once his favourite sport. Streicher apparently is no longer interested in anti-Semitism and has joined the Goethe school. Rosenberg reads the least. The Nuremberg correspondent of “The Times,” says the British case should be concluded by the end of the week. It is more specific than the American and is confined to about 200 documents. Sir Donald Maxwell-Fyfe, K.C., will introduce the first British documents to-morrow. LieutenantColonel M. Griffiths Jones will present material relating to German attacks on Poland, Britain and France. Major Elwyn Jones will cover the Norwegian campaign, Mr G. D. Roberts, K.C., will deal with the invasion of the Low Countries and Colonel Phillimore will table evidence on the war in Greece and Yugoslavia. Ernest Kaltenbrunner, who was stricken with a brain haemorrhage two days before tlie opening of the trial is being transferred from army hospital to a prison infirmary this week. The correspondent of the Associated American Press says he will probably be well enough to appear in court in about a month’s time.