RUDOLF HESS’ MISSION

Waikato Times, Volume 132, Issue 22150, 23 September 1943, Page 5

RUDOLF HESS’ MISSION

PEACE TERMS FROM HITLER STORY OF SENSATIONAL LANDING TOLD PURPOSE OF VISIT—OFFER MADE TO BRITAIN (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 23, noon) LONDON, Sept. 22 The terms which Rudolf Hess offered on behalf of Hitler when he landed in Scotland on May 10, 1941, have now been disclosed in an authoritative statement in London. Hess first informed Wing-Commander the Duke of Hamilton: “I am on a mission of humanity. The Fuehrer does not want to defeat England and wants to stop fighting.” Hess said that he had already tried three times to fly to Dugavel, the Duke’s Scottish home, the first time being in December, 1940, but had been turned back by the weather or other reasons. He did not want to come during the British successes in Libya lest it should appear that it was the weakness of Germany which prompted the flight, but now’ that Germany had had some success there he was glad to come. He stressed that his presence showed his sincerity and the German willingness for peace. His main theme was that Hitler was convinced that Germany would win sooner or later, and he (Hess) wanted to stop unnecessary slaughter. He asked the Duke to get together the leading members of his party to talk over things, with a view to making peace proposals. The Duke pointed out that there was now only one party in Britain. In an interview with Mr Kirkpatrick, of the Foreign Office, Hess further elaborated the object of his visit. He stressed the enormous power of Germany in the air and U-boats, which later would grow much greater. He affirmed the certainty of England’s defeat by the blockade, if not very quickly in the course of two or three years. He had come without the knowledge of the Fuehrer to convince responsible persons that since England could not win the easiest course was to make peace at once. He gave his word of honour that the Fuehrer had never entertained designs against the British Empire nor aspired to world domination. The Fuehrer would sincerely regret the collapse of the British Empire. Hitler had declared to him as recently as May 3 that he had no impressive demands to make on England.

Hitler’s Terms Outlined The solution Hess put forward was as follows: (1) Germany should be given a free hand in Europe. (2) England should have a free hand in the British Empire, except that the ex-German colonies were to be returned. (3) Russia should be included in Asia, but German had certain demands to make of Russia which would have to be satisfied, either by negotiation or as a result of war. There was no truth in the rumours that the Fuehrer contemplated an early attack on Russia. (4) The British should evacuate Irak

(5) The' reciprocal indemnification of British and German nationals whose property had been expropriated as a result of the war. (6) The proposal could only be considered on the understanding that it was negotiated by Germany with a Government other than the present British Government. Mr Churchill, who had planned the war since 1936, and his colleagues, who had lent themselves to his war policy, were not persons with whom the Fuehrer would negotiate. Preservation of Empire

Hess concluded by emphasising that Hitler really wanted a peace un .ierstanding with Britain on a basis which preserved the British Empire intact. His flight was intended to give Britain a chance of opening conversations without loss of prestige. If the chance was rejected it would be the Fuehrer’s duty to destroy Britain utterly and keep the country after the war in permanent subjection.

The terms were restated by Hess in a signed document on June 10. The only new point was the provision that a simultaneous armistice and peace must be concluded with Italy. It was throughout made clear to Hess that there was no question whatever of any talks or negotiations of any kind taking place with Hitler or his Government. Hess had been dealt with as a prisoner of war since his arrival and will so continue to be treated until the end of the war.