THE DEPUTY-LEADER

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20525, 15 June 1938, Page 6

THE DEPUTY-LEADER

The cable messages about happenings in Germany do not often make any reference to Herr Hess, although he is deputy-leader of the Nazis. He does not figure in the public life as prominently as do his colleagues Gocring and Goebbels, but it is said that he exercises much more influence with the Fuehrer than they do. Rudolf Hess is a young man, having been born in Egypt in 1890, and it has been staled that he was the fmt “gentleman” to join the Nazi movement. He was Hitler’s personal secretary fifteen years ago, and when the leader of tin. rew evangel fe'l foul of the law and went to prison. Hess accompanied him. The day came when the Nazis were in complete control of flic Reich, and the leader then named Herr Hess as his personal deputy, deputy-leader of the party and a Minister without portfolio. One authority on Germany states that Herr Hess is retiring in character, genuinely modest and very popular with the people. He acts as liaison officer between the chief departments of State, and exercises great influence because of his association with Herr Hitler. “It is difficult to get to Hitler on any political or party business except through Hess” Gunther states. The significance of the speech which Herr Hess is said to have delivered with respect to the Czechoslovakian position lies in the fact that on more than one occasion he has been the spokesman for his Ipader. That fact will add to the weight given to his utterance, and it. may be indicative of Nazi policy to find llerr Hess making a strong attack on the Government at Prague. One thing seems certain, and that is that there will be no hurried, ill-considered retort from the Government of the little Republic. Right through these days of strain no hasty statement, no provocative declaration, has emanated from any member of the Czechoslovakian Government. Feelings have been running high, but the President of the country, Dr. Benes, is a statesman of long experience and sound judgment and doubtless his influence has been sufficient to prevent any mistake in diplomacy. There has been no sign of panic .and possibly the threat, scarcely veiled by Herr HesS, will draw another considered and carefullyworded reply. It is a pity that, at a time when tension is great, no word should come from any Nazi leader that would serve to give a measure of relief. Herr Hess is one man whose declaration of peaceful intent would have been generallv welcome.