GRIP OF GESTAPO TIGHTENS ON GERMANY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 201, 26 August 1943, Page 5

GRIP OF GESTAPO TIGHTENS ON GERMANY

Recd. 7.30 p.m. Rugby, Aug. 24. The continuing and ever-tightening Nazi grip on Germany is emphasised in an interesting report from a neutral source on the Berlin explanation and reactions to Hitler's latest appointments. According to a Zurich message wellinformed political observers in Berlin, commenting on Dr Finck’s “dismissal" and Himmler's appointment as Minister of the Interior, say:—“Beginning this month, Hitler decided to transfer the Home Ministry to Himmler, or rather to the Gestapo, and laid down that the announcement shoulo only be made public on the first day of a mass air raid on Berlin. The reason for this step is that Hitler, at the extremist wing of the Nazi Party, wishes to demonstrate in the clearest possible manner, to Nazi leaders who are wavering and to the German people, that the Nazi Party is resolved not to allow itself to be turned from the decision to carry on the war, accepting all consequences. It is obvious that such an announcement, following the bombing of Berlin, must be the clearest display to the Germans of the mailed fist of the Gestapo chalj lenging any attempt to oppose conI tinuation of the war. It is an open secret in Berlin that Dr. Frick did not ! belong to the extremists, and had • lately expressed the view that Gestapo •methods were no longer suited to call I forth the fullest co-operation of the ! German people. Dr. Frick also took | the view that it was high time the German Foreign Office should seek to extricate Germany from war en- ' tanglements. With the dismissal of • Dr. Frick Hitler wanted to answer I also those sharing Dr. Frick's opinion." The Zurich dispatch adds that the first consequences of Himmler s appointment are visible. Twenty-one officials of the Home Ministry hitherto responsible to Dr. Frick have been transferred to minor jobs. The criminal police will be reorganised immediately. Further important changes in personnel are expected this week-end. Goebbels must now collaborate with Himmler regarding home front propaganda. thus placing himself under Himmler’s supervision. The New Minister of Interior has called a conference for to-mor-’o.-.-. —8.0.W.