The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-05-23

how the human mind works IA
this: only the more thoughtful
examine major premises. When a
doubtful assertion is being made,
most OF us plunge into an argu-
ment over it without further ado.
From this simple and in
eontrovertible fact the Nazis
have derived n most effective
method; when they want 10
get something across to rs,
whom they know to be sus-
picious Of their assertions,
they do not assert II, but as
sumo IL In q challenging prop
osition. As n result, the major
premise will be accepted by
friends and enemies Of their
explicit assertion.
Here Is how il works The Nazis
desired that we in America should
believe that the Hazis are going
to win the war II they had simply
asserted It, the other side would
have denied the assertion. Doubt,
at least, would remain strong.
SO, instead, they proeee d
through various emissaries (includ-
ing French pro-Vichy 'sourcesH) to
plant the idea that after the war
America should trade with VIC
torious Germany" Whether we
like Hitler or not, we must deal
with him, ran the legend. IF the
Nazis win, let's not be sentimental
business Is business. II il all
an imperialist war anyway"
Today these formulas are
familiar. Reputable men have
sponsored them; others have
combated them. But most of
those who have taken a stand
against such views have walk
ed into the Nazls' trap. They
have said: mo, we must not
deal with = victorious Hitler"
thereby swelling the chorus
Of voices holding that Hitler
might be victorious.
Many publicists have gone great
lengths in depicting what the
world will be like after a Nazi VIC
tory. thereby feeding the Nazis'
essential premise: "A Nazi victory.
il not a certainty, is at any rate q
strong possibility"
Insight into Nazi propaganda
strategy would have m = de
these publicists, writers. and
columnists pause TO ask the
vital question: who said, any
way. that the Nazis are win
ming the war;" Such ques-
tiOning of the major premise
would have spoiled the Mari
game.
Many similar examples can be
given to show how this principle
has been employed by the Nszis
in the past. Their entire appease-
ment propaganda In France and
England was built on such prop
ositions. The assertion itself might
be couched in a question; Should
the Sudeten Germans be fncor-
porated bv negotiation or by oc-
cupation ," major premise: They
will be incorporated" Should
the United States aid Britain, or
shouldn't She" Major premise /:
No interest Of the United States
herself Is involved in the war;
In these and many similar
Instances the Nazis succeeded
In getting their foes ~ well As
their friends TO popuiariEe the
points which they wished TO
get across. As 10 the present
drive 10 get US 10 accept u
Hitler-dominated world. IL IL
revealing To note the typical
crescendo In the premises: ID
II Hitler wins. t2l when Hitler
wins, 81 since Hitler u win
ming. 90 because Hitler h
winning The NaKis have
made such Roadway with their
nsost recent campaign that n
man gets mp and speaks on
After Hitler-What ?" Re
have done recently. he's hooked
upon with some AmazemenL
Many have already come 10 be-
lieve that Hitler viii WIN this war
SO n someone gets up and says,
4 believe Hitler viii be defeated. +"
people feel cheered by such firm
belief. Facts speak louder than
words. and no one knows it better
than Hitler. Hence the propa-
gsnda Of the act, OF which I have
already spoken
How did the propaganda Of the
act work 10 support the Mans
cnntenton that they were 70 win
the War.
They used = vsnety Of devices.