THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Back from Germany on Hitler ‘worship’ after returning from Berlin

“I was very glad to put my foot ashore at Dover,” was the comment made to a Belfast News Letter reporter the previous day by a well-known Belfast businessman who had just returned from Germany.

With his wife and family he had been the guest of prominent German industrialist and landowner of what was formerly known as the Junker class. His visit coincided with the approach of and the peak point of the European political crisis.

“My host,” he said, “is an SS leader, a profound admirer of Hitler, although not agreeing with all points in his policy. He probably reflects general German opinion in his desire for an alliance composed Germany, Italy, France and England. He an ardent admirer of National Socialism and is quite content to pay 75 per cent, of his income to the state.”

Reverting to his comment about leaving Germany, the Belfast businessman said that a day or two after his arrival things had begun to look unpleasant. His host assured him that in the event of threatened hostilities he would arrange an escort of SS men to accompany his guests to the frontier and if quick action became necessary he would provide an aeroplane.

“He assured me, however, that nothing would happen and that we would be quite safe. But as the crisis developed I became uneasy and the mental strain was terrific. My host got copy of the London Times every day - but it was always a day late.

“The Germans had devised some means of distorting the wireless broadcast of news from the BBC National programme. As soon as it came on there would be a buzzing noise which drowned the news. For some reason they did not interfere with the BBC Regional news at 11.50pm.

“Just before Hitler made his speech at Nuremburg, my host walked about in the garden, obviously in a state of nerves. When the speech was over he came to and said: ‘I confess I was worried on your account, as I thought Hitler would issue an ultimatum but now everything will be all right.’ Next day he had to go to Berlin and in the evening telephoned to assure me that we would be quite safe.

“Nevertheless I was glad to leave Germany. I got the impression that the Germans did not want war, but they place implicit confidence in Hitler. It is difficult to say if this trust is inspired love, fear or respect. We saw many men in uniform, but did not get the impression of living in an armed camp.

“As English visitors we experienced the greatest possible friendliness and were made welcome everywhere. Even at the peak of the crisis there was no difference in this welcome. This was particularly noticeable in restaurants and other public places. In a time of mental stress, strain, and anxiety we were made to feel perfectly at home. My host said: to me: ‘Now that you have lived with us you can see for yourselves that we are not murderers and barbarians as some of your English newspapers term us’.

Not everyone the Belfast man met was devoted to Hitler. One lady, wife of an army officer, who spoke excellent English, had not a good word to say for Hitler. ‘It is well for you,’ she said, ‘to live in a country where you are free and can do as you wish’.”

The Belfast businessman concluded: “Although I enjoyed my visit and my host was perfect. I was glad, however, to get back to Ulster. Germany did not appear to be on the verge of war, yet the atmosphere was bad for one’s nerves.”