Evening star., 1941-05-18
Overemphasis Of Hess Flight
Believed Dangerous for British
Relaxation of U. S. War Effort Held Likely if
Conclusion Is Reached That Nazi Regime
Is Riddled With Dissension
By Fehr Morley.

The dramatic aspects of the fight of
Rudolf Hess from Germany have re-
ceived their due share of attention. In
war which has been replete with SEN
sationalism, this hyper sensational event
has, for the moment relegated all other
developments to a subordinate position
But, unlike lesser nine-day wonders, the
dramatic values in this Nazi leaders
alleged detection may tend to increase
rather than fade.
Amid the myriad explanations esti-
mates and speculations as to what it all
means, one conclusion has so far been
paramount. This is that grave doubt
and cleavage of opinion are now revealed
within the very citadel of Nazi power
Hundreds Of commentators already have
pointed to this almost too obvious con-
clusion 1t will be more difficult to reach
agreement as to the policy which can
most effectually exploit this seeming evi-
dence of Nazi weakness
Yet that is the vital question which
would remain to be answered even If the
excitement reused by the event itself
should soon subside. 1t is a question
more important than all the inside infor-
nation which Hess may be able or willing
to disclose to the British authorities.
That might conceivably affect the mil
itary situation, in way unfavorable TO
Germany. But the more subtle issue of
the policy to be followed as a result of
the Hess episode is a matter affecting
much more than wartime operations For
this policy will quite possibly go long
way toward determining the entire post
war structure of civilization and the part
to be played by the United States therein.
Three Possible Reactions.
There are. briefly speaking. three ways
in which Britain's policy may be affected
by the Hess phantasmagoria.
The assertedly sef-imposed mission
of Hitler's deputy may be treated as a
passing incident, Of no real long-range
significance. Or it may be continuously
advertised as an important symptom of
German weakness, with the implication
that if the United States will now throw
its full weight into the scales the Naz re-
gime can soon be expected to collapse.
Alternatively, this officially unofficial
German peace offensive" may be met
by a countermove of similar character
on the part of the British.
The first of these reactions seems
most unlikely Even if Hess was only
actuated by "a crazy notion" as Berlin
asserts, the episode would remain 50
dramatic as TO lend itself to vigorous
exploitation in Whatever way the British.
government deems most effective. But
the most desirable form of that exploit
tation Is not necessarily that which
seems most obvious.
Of course the whole business lends
itself. in highly alluring fashion, to the
conclusion that Germany is much
weaker than appears to be the case. But
If that conclusion is drawn. does it fol-
low that the United States is more likely
gagged in the war? That is the very
neat point which Winston Churchill has
now to decide, for there is little doubt
that continuing American hesitation to
take the plunge is now his most serious
anxiety.
President to Decide.
AS to whether or not the Hess adven-
ture brings the United States closer to
full war participation, one guess is as
good as another Probably there will be
no definite indication until President
Roosevelt makes his postponed state
ment, now scheduled for May q.
But the effect of the Hess drama on
American public opinion will inevitably
be major facter in determining Mr..
Roosevelt's decision. And as British
leaders now have considerable influence
in molding American public opinion, the
British themselves have to weigh the
American reaction very carefully in de-
Gliding how to interpret the flight to
Scotland of No. 8 in the Nazi hierarchy.
The British decision is the more tick
ish because American public opinion
has tended to consolidate against active
participation in the war when it has
appeared that England was sure to win