The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-12-26

Curt Kaess sives to start soon, and about new V weapons. Many believe that German vic- tory and the end of the war are around the corner.
 This spontaneous and somewhat exaggerated response shows how much the Germans needed some thing to give them new hope. The way Goebbels plays and over- plays the importance of the offen- sive shows that he too knows. If you read and listen to Goebbels' propaganda as did fo;. several days, you almost get the impression that the attack was mainly for. reasons of German morale, and on the or der of Goebbels.
 For weeks Goebbels has dread ed the approaching Christmas. This holiday is celebrated in Ger fany more sentimentally than in other countries. The people reflect, have memories and compare the past and present.
 During World War masses of Germans got additional rations. There was additional coffee, choc- olate mad SchnappS. Furthermore, there were ingredients for fat and sugar. This time instead there is 8 cut of the bread ration and a threat of cut the sugar ration.
 NO GIFT
 Finally, evidently after the Pro paganda Ministry became nervous about a morale collapse around Christmas, the Food Ministry prom iSed as a Christmas gift two eggs and half 8 pound of meat per person. But according to excellent sources only part of the population got this foodStuff which. incident ally, is no gift, but must be paid for.
 Christmas promised to become g drearya nd hopeless affair for the Germans, There were no trees since the transport of trees was for. bidden by the Ministry of Economy There were no flowers, because the flower shops have been closed since the July total mobilization.
 There were no toys, but the Voel. kischer Beobaehter advised parenti to make some from wood splinters feathers fallen from old cushions ol pictures cut out from magazines. No wine and beer. No Christmas travelling, not even business trips between December 22 and %. All formerly isued permits were cail- celled and high penalties threaten ed those faking business in order to spend Christmas with the family.
 All this, plus the constant mili- tary reverses and the bombing oi Germany, was bound to make Christmas a danger point for Ger man morale and the psychological moment for sporadic outbursts ot discontent.
 < >GoebbeIs knew that. Therefore for weeks he conducted quiet but determined campaign to prove to the Germans that the war was not lost and also that Germany really never has wanted the war. His last broadcast were almost pacifist Germany wants nothing more thar to live peacefully with her neigh. bors. Goebbels' now says the oc cupied countries were never conSid. cred as anything but pawrs for a good and just peace.
 A few days ago the VoelkischeI Beobachter said, We shall be sat. isfied when peace for Germany means air for her to breathe, sell esteem and equal footing with oth: ers.' Such pacifist phrases were wrongly regarded by the Allies az peace overtureS. A more correct evaluation. in my opinion, is to, re- gard them as meant for home con- sumption. The Germans must be prevented from reflecting that the war was brought on by the NaZiS. PLAYING WITH FIRE
 Three days before the von Rund- stedt attack Goebbels wrote: Tn the first World War, at the precise moment when the Reich was mak- ing ready to capitulate, the British, as subsequently, transpired, wero about to seek a compromise peace, Who is there to guarantee that Britain Is not doing the same to- day? It is in accordance with this that we must act
 This was the tip-off. Naturally Goebbels knows that Britain is by no means ready to seek a com promise. Again this is for home consumption. The Germans are made to think that with the Allies quarreling anyhow about Greece. etc, with London ''in, ruins by V- bombs ;, 8 determined von Rund- stedt offensive will bring Britain or others to seek for compromise peace.
 Doubtlessiy this will be the Nazi propaganda line for. the near future. Douhtlessly Goebbels has already succeeded in convincing many Ger mans. Thus the danger point oi Christmas will pass. But Goebbeli a.. ..ts4.a.s.. ~S.fa1. 1ts.a as.e,afS1f. k1u