The Slovak Government has introduced a new propaganda service in German, French and English for the information of foreign countries. Its chief aim seems to be to tell the world that the Slovaks have no other choice but to fight side by side with the Germans for the simplereason that Germany is the only great Power that recognises the right of the Slovak nation to independence.
It may be a hint to the Allied Governments that if they changed their present policy regarding, the future settlement of the Slovak question and took into fuller account the aspirations of the Slovaks there might be a rapid change in the attitude of the majority of the Slovaks towards the Allies. Shovels spokesmen are at great pains to explain that no self-respecting nation can be expected to tight-for the loss of its freedom and independence. Military events may settle Slovak doubts, but do we wish to terrorise or liberate a people as nationally-minded as the Irish ?
Life is returning to normal—at least forethe time being—in Slovakia. In various towns big demonstrations arc being held in favour of an independent Slovakia. The University of Bratislava reopened last week with a solemn Veld
Creator, Captured ringleaders of the insurrection are being prosecuted. and some 35 death sentences have been passed and carried out so far.
Audiences
The l'ope received on Monday In private audience Licut.-Gen. Sir Edmond Schreiber, the new Governor and C.-in-C. Malta and Mr. Myron Taylor. personal representative of President Roosevelt to the Holy See.
General Schreiber was introduced to the Holy Father by Mr. Philip Leigh!, Smith. First Secretary of the British Embassy, while Mr. Myron Taylor introduced the President of the American Red Cross.
The Pope also received in private audience the head of the Knights of Columbus Association and the president of the executive committee of the "National Catholic Community Service."
Diego von Bergen, German Ambassador to the Holy See, died on October 7. Ilc was first credited to the Holy See as Prussian Minister in 1915. In the following year lie was the first appointed Ambassador of Germany. From 19.10 onwards he was the cloven of the Diplomatic Corps to the Holy See.