Evening star., 1937-09-26
Il DUCE REPORTED
EM|SSARY OF POPE
MuSSoIini Believed Trying to
Lift HitIer's Hand From
Church.
BY DEWITT MACKENZIE,
Associated Press STAFF Writer.

NEW YORK, September 25.-The
meeting in Germany of the worlds
No. and 2 dictators-Mussolini and
Hitler, or Hitler and Mussolini. ac-
cording to the readers notion Of
precedence-already has produced one
prospect which may have far-reach-
ing effects.
Mussolini repeatedly will act as the
Pope's emissary to try to persuade
Der Fuehrer to lift the heavy hand
OF Nazidom from the church.
Not only would such move be q
matter of moment to religious people
the world over. but it might have a
profound influence on the trend of
international relations.
1t is not giving the matter too fine
a point to say that Germany never
can make completely satisfactory pacts
with democratic foreign governments
so long as they continue to charge her
with racial religious and class in
tolerance.
Both Mussolini and Hitler are said
to be anxious now to conclude a
friendly working agreement with Eng
land and France. The peace of Eu-
rope may depend on some such move
Faces Public Disapproval
Perhaps an arrangement will be
reached. but so far as the Nazi chief
tain is concerned he will encounter a
lack of warmth essential to complete
success. The repressive measures
taken by Germany against the
churches, both Catholic and Prot
estant, against the Jews and against
labor organizations have been met
with grave disapproval and even open
hostility by the people of Britain and
France.
Democratic governments like those
of France and England can make only
such agreements as their people ap-
prove. Public opinion in these two
countries will deprive Germany of
many concessions so long as present
conditions exist.
1t has appeared at times that Nazi
Germany did not quite understand
the attitude of many foreign peo-
piles to these things. One of the most
prominent Nazis of Austria came to
me in London and, after saying that
Hitler was regarded by the Austrian
Nazs as their spiritual leader, asked
me why it was that England was so
bitterly opposed to Naxidom.
was amazed at the naivete of the
question.
rs it possible" I asked. that YOU
have overlooked the fact that British
labor is highly organized and one of
the great forces of this country. Or
that English Jews play great part
in life of Britain. and WELD vast power
IN nnance, industry and politics?"
MY visitor was as much surprised
as l had been. He had overlooked
these points. Had he visited me a
little later I could have added the
anti-church campaign to the list. for
England in general is very religious.
Consigned to Dog House.
Aristocratic Sir Oswald Mosley
started British Fascist Party. Eng
lano regarded this pleasing young per-
sonallty and his snappily uniformed
followers with tolerance and amuse-
Ment at first
1t was good show, and the Briton
likes shows. The day Sir Oswald
announced his anti-semitic drive.
however, his countrymen as whole
consigned him and his outfit to the
doghouse.
1t will be interesting to see how far
Mussolini will get with Hitler in the
ambassadorial capacity, if the Italian
leader accepts that role. When Hit
Ter visited II Duce in Italy the latter
is said to have become incensed with
what he considered his guests pencil
ant for soaring in the clouds instead
OF keeping his feet on the ground.
Mussolini is intensely practical and
heads straight for his goal. Hitlers
idealism frequently lifts him on its
wings and keeps him afloat for long
periods.