19 JULY 1940, Page 5

Opinions will differ as to the general value of Otto

Strasser's new book, Hitler and I, and it has always to be remembered that in a conversation between two people one participant's subsequent version of what was said might not tally with the other's. Subject to that reservation one interchange, some time in the early twenties, seems to me revealing. " Power," said Hitler, " we must have power." " Before we gain it," rejoined Strasser, " let us decide what we propose to do with it." Nothing was further from Hitler's thought. " Power first," he insisted, banging the table; " afterwards we can act as circum- stances dictate." He has never got beyond that stage. National Socialism is still without a political philosophy today.

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