EXIT HITLER?

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 38, 16 February 1943, Page 5

EXIT HITLER?

GIVING UP SUPREME COMMAND REPORTS FROM NEUTRAL SOURCES (By Telegraph—Prose Association—Copyright) (Rec. 9.45 p.m.) New York, Feb. 14. The Berne correspondent of the New York Times states that it was reported from neutral sources that Hitler is preparing to relinquish the supreme command as a result of the Rostov defeat and place it in the hands of Field-Marshal Fritiz Erich von Mannstein. Hitler has summoned the commanders of all army groups “for critical consultations.” Generals are reported to have agreed to take over the direction of the eastern campaign on condition that Hitler approves a radical retreat to a new front running from Riga along the Drina to Kiev and to Odessa, and also assumes entire responsibility for the general retreat. The correspondent adds that neutral strategists accept these reports and point out that the severely curtailed front would approximate the depleted defensive potential of the Nazi forces. (Recd. 9.45 p.m.) London, Feb. 14. There is no disposition in London to receive seriously reports that some of Germany’s satellites are putting out a suggestion for a separate peace, says the diplomatic correspondent of The Times. Rumour is particularly busy with Finland and Hungary. It is not surprising, now that the war Is not going according to plan, that certain circles in both countries are looking for the way out. The Casablanca conference’s “unconditional surrender” declaration was made in anticipation of such peace manoeuvres. The United Nations are not going to have their attention distracted from the worsening foulness which Hitler and his partners are inflicting on Europeans. (Recd. 11.30 p.m.) New York, Feb. 14. The New York Times, in an editorial, says: “The victorious Russian drive is creating growing mystification regarding Hitler. Speculations range from his possible death to a nervous collapse as a result of the defeat. Whatever the truth the indications are that he is no longer directing operations which the generals have now taken into their own hands.”

The editorial quotes the Russian General Chuikov, defender of Stalingrad, who declared that the Germans’ greatest strategic mistake was'in putting Hitler in command, and continues: “The German generals have not relished the assumption of the supreme command by the former corporal, but now the spell of Hitler’s success is broken at home and abroad. Nevertheless, the importance of the developments should not be overestimated. Hitler is still a name to conjure with in Germany, and if Hitler used the generals heretofore the generals are just as likely to use him. Roles may shift but the war machine remains. Recent rumours about peace feelers indicate that they might also be useful for propaganda purposes abroad.”