1 MAY 1982, Page 19

Hitler and Nietzsche

Sir: It is often assumed that there is a con- tinuum between the philosophy of Nietz- sche and the 'philosophy' of Hitler, and A. L. Rowse embraces this assumption when he blandly asserts (10 April): `No doubt Hitler read Nietzsche and ... ' However, as far as I know, there is no evidence that Hitler read Nietzsche. J. P. Stern in his book Hitler, The Fiihrer and the People suggests that Hitler's knowledge of Nietz- sche amounted to 'a few catch phrases'. I am inclined to believe Stern.