The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1935-03-23
rIrRopE SHOULD CALL HITLER'S
BLUFF

The most plausible explanation OF D'-
tator Hitler's housekeeping IS that II %
done for its effect on the Germans. Inc
business of maintaining oneself as ulc-
tator even in Germany is no easy matter
and Hitler probably has discovered that II
is necessary to give the Germans some
thing to think about that will turn theT
thoughts from conditions IN their own
country and stir their hatred OF other na-
lions. That may cause them to forget the
merciless tyranny of the dictator. At least
it is probably the best possible course tof
keeping Germans united behind Hltlers
moves, 1t enables the dictator to appeal
to national pride, patriotism and racial
fear. That has usually been found by ty-
rants to be a sufficient basis upon which
to appeal to the people of any nation to
stand together and oppose real or imagl-
nary enemies.
Unless Hitler is insane he cannot believe
that Germany has anything to gain by
plunging Europe into war now. Germany
under present conditions would suffer
worse defeat by a combination OF her Eu-
ropean enemies than was administered by
the Allies in the World War. If Hitler I'M
derstands the actual conditions and has
anything approaching comprehensive and
accurate knowledge of what Germany
would face in fighting Europe at this time,
he would be nothing less than mailman
to undertake it. Therefore, it is certain
that Hitler is playing game OF bluff. NO
doubt he expects to gain advantages, which
will result from the fears of other nations,
but it is impossible to believe that ne has
seriously determined to challenge France,
Italy, Russia and England to enter into all
other great war.
Hitler is acting to impress the German
people, to turn their attention from condi-
tions at home to thoughts of danger from
foreign foes. If the Germans can be worked
into frenzy of fear of their European
neighbors the dictator will have much less
reason to fear what they might plan to do
to him. That is the way of dictators and
dill HldilifSi VI W anus ways lOOllnS anu
dipping people when they are not driving
: them with the lash.
!. Of course, Hitler is taking serious
chances in stirring up strife in Europe. The
situation may get out of control and the
powder may be touched off in spite of the
idictatOr'S intention not to actually bring
on war; but that is chance dictators musr
accept at times.
At this distance the opinion of this news
paper may be worth little, but that opinion
IS that Hitler does not want war and will
not start war. We think he knows Ger
many would not have one chance in hun
dred to win European war this year or
next year or for several years. The result
OF losing war for Hitler would be disas-
trous. 1t would mean the end of Dictator
Hitler. On the other hand, the matter of
big talk, bombast and buster, and keepina
Europe in a state of turmoil, supplies Hit
Ter with game he knows how to play and
one that is likely to be much more favora.
BILE to his purposes and aims than war.
The present so-called European crisis
will not result in war. Europe may be
plunged into another war in the next fe y
years, but it will not be one made in 1913:
by Dictator Hitler.
l. II kl,xy,,