Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1941-08-14
Light on Hess Flight

There has been much specu-
lation on the significance of the
Rudolph Hess flight to the Brit
ish Isles several weeks ago. An
interesting story on that episode
was written by Devere Allen,
editor of "Nofrontier News Serv-
ice", published at Wilton, Conn.
The story follows:
From an important, level-headed,
exceptionally well-informed journal
list this commentator has heard the
statement that Rudolf Hess, when he
crashed, was actually on his third
visit to England since the beginning
of the war. About the sources of
this belief 1 know nothing. Nothing,
that is, save that once, when I was
in Europe during the early months of
the conflict, news offices buzzed, then
suddenly fell silent, about a plane of
German manufacture which landed
in England, and whose sole passenger,
hat covering face, was hurriedly
rushed off the field in a British gov
eminent limousine, to reappear four
hours later and take off with his pilot,
who had sat silently in the plane all
the time.
LOwdown? Now, however, from a
reputable correspondent who OBJ
tanned the story from high official
of a refugee government with head
on rte in 7 cfo
ling assertion to the Nofrontier News
Service that when Hess crashed he
was not on his way to Scotland, but
on his way back to Germany after
conversations with British officials.
So sensational is this story in its
implications that in some circum-
stances it would never reach the light
of day in this column unless PERSONAL
ly authenticated. But it is so i'm
portant that it is here given as re-
ceived, with the warning that it can
not be guaranteed, but that those
who report it are known for veracity,
journalistic experience, and extensive
knowledge of European affairs.
SubstantiatiOn. If Hess had wanted
merely to escape, he could have flown
to Ireland, a neutral nation, where
he need not have been restrained.
Neither the British nor the Germans
announced the flight until 48 hours
after his disappearance. The ad-
ditional gas tank was for the return
journey, so as to attract no attention
at flying fields, which he lodged. He
could never have flown by night over
blacked-out countryside and landed
so close to the Duke of Hamilton S
estate, for which he inquired; it
was natural to ask for it when he had
just taken off from it or near it, be-
fore being shot down by accident.
These are reasons given to indicate
the accuracy of the tale.
Aim. With Hitler's consent, and
elated because the war was to be
turned against his old hate, Russia,
Hess proposed that at the end of the
Russian campaign, Britain make a
negotiated peace on the basis of
British non-interference in Europe,
retention of virtually all the empire,
swapping a bit here and there for bits
of the French empire. This Churchill
refused. Vastly interesting is further
angle: Knowing that Britain will
never make peace with Hitler, the
German High Command is willing to
replace him when negotiations start.
Who will be new Leader? Who will
know the British ideas on the settle
ment. Who can best collaborate?
Nobody but Rudolf Hess, at first
called mad" but still unremoved
officially from the Nazi hierarchy.
That was the plan. 1t Topped.