NAZIS’ CONCESSIONS TO DANES

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22393, 6 July 1944, Page 4

NAZIS’ CONCESSIONS TO DANES

The unusual spectacle of Germans making concessions to Danes is being witnessed in the general strike in Denmark. The strike is an interesting test of German prestige and morale and of the ability of the enemy to maintain his grip on the occupied countries. The Danes have stood firmly by their demands, and such progress as has been made toward a settlement has come from German concessions. And of all countries in Europe, Denmark is the most defenceless and least fitted, apart from the quality of the people, to defy the German rulers. In earlier years the Germans would have smashed the revolt with a show of irresistible military strength. Now the Nazis have descended to negotiations, and the fact is not likely to be lost on other occupied countries. If defenceless Denmark can successfully force concessions from the Germans, oppressed people more favourably placed with regard to resistance can impose their demands even more insistently. This loss of grip on the situation is highly significant. It emphasises that the Germans are losing their confidence as well as their prestige, and with confidence goes the ability to hold a constantly menacing situation in check. After four years of occupation some of the peoples of Europe might have been disposed to accept the seemingly inevitable and to make the best of their conditions without much hope of recovery of independence. But now a great change has come over the scene. The conquerors are being conquered. Responsible authorities are even holding out the hope that the Nazi power will be broken within the year. What this means to an oppressed continent is obvious. Hope is rising high in the hearts of previously hopeless millions. The cumulative effect of this new tide in Europe is one of Germany’s greatest terrors. The brief day of mastery is drawing to its close. The Danes and others who have felt the weight of the conqueror’s heel are reaching out for that liberty which they prized but lost.