The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1944-10-19
COMMENT ON WORLD
EVENTS

Things move quickly, much to quick
ly for the quislng Anton Mussert, head
of the Dutch Nazis. He cannot keep
pace with them they leave him sadly
Debated, the victim of terrible hang
over Less than months ago he
drew himself up to look as tall and
smart and Hitlerish as possible while
debating a telegram to his revered
Fuehrer
"Now that the invasion has started"
the cable read. 81 feel, my Fuehrer,
that / must say to you that all Dutch
National-Socialists are with you, loyal
and united of purpose :. We are one
unit, and at its top are you, my
Fuehrer :. We see you as the leader
of entire Europe; our belief and con-
fidence in you are unflinching."
A few days later he stood before a
public Dutch Nazi meeting at Amster
dam, smilingly receiving the ovation of
his already thinning ranks of follow
ers. He thanked the German Wehr-
macht for building such splendid de-
fenses along the North Sea coast, and
he praised the boys of the Volunteer
Legion NOW fighting shoulder to
shoulder with their German brothers
in the defense of Narva."
II see with satisfaction" the leader
'aid, that tens of thousands in our
movement-which is the carrier of our
atherland's political will = remain
faithful to me, even though great
storms are threatening from the east
and from the west. | know that, should
there be an invasion, you all will do
your duty" And he concluded by di-
vulging a little secret, very personal
matter but quite heartening for the
assembly.
This morning / have received a new
he beloved, that of a vol
unteer in the German army. When the
invasion reaches Holland l shall put
on that uniform | have taken my
decision; l shall stay in Utrecht under
all circumstances"
1t was considerate of the man to |
make this confession; it may well |
simplify matters for the allied com |
who, shortly, will march their |
troops into that very Utrecht which |
for more than 13 years has been the
citadel of Dutch NaZism. They will |
know where exactly to find podgy An
on, provided, of course, he does not
lnder the stress of coming events
'orget his promise to ''stay put"
But would such thing be possible?
Alas (! Unbelievable as it may seem for
20 important" a man, the omens are
lone too promising. Those staunch sup
,orters of his who followed him cour-
geously to the best-paid jobs and the
ichest loot, do not like the turn of
ecent events at all. Since June their
leading functions have acquired
litter taste; their richly-decorated
fices and well cushioned swivel
hairs are quickly losing all attraction.
hey are somewhat uncertain of them
elves
Perhaps the allies, once they have
hased the Germans out, will not show
he appreciation they deserve for hay-
ng done so much to build up an Al
ogether Different New Order. Maybe
ONE of those disgraceful Dutch
atriots who never left off annoying
hem, will try to get too close to them
or comfort. AS yet, there is still a
hance to avoid so tragic a misunder
SO why not go on little trip to the
lst, or ~ following the example of ,
nose coYardly patriots who refused
, be killed by the Gestapo - dive !
nder" for a while, live in some place ,
.ith less oppressive atmosphere? Why ,
leet trouble half way? II