WHISPERS IN BERLIN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 151, 28 June 1934, Page 5

WHISPERS IN BERLIN

REICHSWEHR COUP WANTED GROWING OPINION SUPPORTS NAZI REJECTION OBSERVER FORECASTS CIVIL WAR NEXT YEAR • By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) Received June 27, 7.10 p.m. LONDON, June 27. The Sun’s Berlin correspondent says: “Germany continues to be a bubbling cauldron, but the Nazis scoff at the possibility of an explosion, though the strife between the “Steel Helmets” and “Storm Troopers” has reached a head with the issue by the Storm Troopers’ command of a declaration that the further existence of Steel Helmets is intolerable. The latter regard this as equivalent to a decree of dissolution, but they are unlikely to brook disbandment without a protest. The Nazis attach importance to Deputy-Chancellor Hess’ prophecy that a new election may be necessary to prove that Germany is still supporting Her Hitler.” Ari event which caused a threat of dissolution of an association comprising tens of thousands of war veterans, under the leadership of the Labour Minister, Herr Seldte, was a fight between a member of the Steel Helmets, Erich Kummerow, and a Storm Trooper named Moltzahn, at Quetzingen. The Nazis assert that Kummerow interrupted Moltzahn’s speech, and abused the Brown Shirts. He belaboured Moltzahn, drew the latter’s dagger, and stabbed him in the stomach. Steel Helmet supporters declare that Kummerow acted in self defence. Both were wounded and sent to hospital. Mr. Vernon Bartlett, as a result of a visit to Berlin, has begun a series of articles in the News-Chronicle, propounding the questions: Is Nazism endangered? Will there be a military coup? Will youth go Communist? The first article declares that a serious crisis in the Nazi movement is inevitable, though it would be unwise to join the French in believing that Nazism is about to collapse, even as a result of financial difficulties. Yet Berlin is full of whispers of the need for a Reichswehr coup in order to turn out Nazism before it becomes Bolshevism. Herr von Papen, who is neither clever nor courageous, would never have made his famous speech a few days ago unless President von Hindenburg told him to do so. Herr Hitler’s personality is still an enormous factor, but the period of hysteria is passing. Next year Germany may *•“ engaged in a civil war.

VISITING LONDON GERMAN DELEGATION TRANSFER MORATORIUM BRITAIN READY TO ACT. I Brilibij Official Wirelta* I RUGBY - , June 26. Sir Frederick Leith Ross, Chief Economic Adviser to the Government, accompanied by Treasury officials, will conduct the neogtiations on behalf of the British Government with the German delegation, respecting the German transfer moratorium. The German representatives, who will include Dr. Berger, of the Ministry of finance, Dr. Ullrich, Economic Department of the Foreign Office, and Dr. Blessing, Director of the Reichsbank, will on their arrival in London to-night be invited to hold the first meeting at the Treasury to-morrow morning. The money resolution in connection with the Debts Clearing Offices and Import Restrictions Reprisals Bill, passed a stage, in the House of Commons today. When the House went into Committee on the Bill a Liberal member moved an amendment to limit its duration to twelve months from July I next. This, he said, would be a gesture to Germany that Britain would be prepared not to engage in reprisals, but would rather do everything possible to facilitate and increase Angio-German trade. The motion was, however, withdrawn when the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Chamberlain, announced his wil-

lingness to limit the operation or the measure to two years. The Chancellor remarked that the Government-s purpose in taking the powers contained in the Bill was to give notice to the world that they were so equipped and thereby to reduce the likelihood of circumstances arising which would require these powers to be used. I REPLY TO BRITISH NOTE. LONDON, June 26. The German reply to the British Note refuses to accept the British argument that six months’ moratorium is unnecessary. LOSS OF GOLD REICHSBANK'S REPORT. FOR LONDON CONSUMPTION. Received June 27, 10.20 p.m, BERLIN, June 27. The Reichsbank report shows the week’s less of gold and foreign exchange at £1,852,000. Total resolves at June 23 were £5,884,000 compared with £lB 241,000 at March 29, £15,769,000 at April 27 and £11,304.000 at May 23. If the rate of loss continues, the Reichsbank will be without gold tn approximately a month. It had been whispered that the start of the London discussions would coincide with a broadside from Germany in lhe shape of an exceptionally unfavourable report. The surmise has proved correct.