Taiwanese President's Party Pulls Controversial Hitler Ad

TAIPEI - Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's Democratic Progressive Party yesterday decided to pull a controversial television commercial featuring footage of Adolf Hitler after protests from Jewish groups.

The DPP said the decision aimed to stop misinterpretations and show respect for Holocaust victims. It would stop airing the commercial on July 20.

A DPP spokesman said last week the party would not withdraw the commercial and yesterday's statement gave no reason for the change of mind.

The 30-second ad showed Hitler ranting and raising his hands while delivering a speech. The DPP said it aimed to encourage young Taiwanese to take part in politics and speak their minds.

The commercial also featured footage of Cuban President Fidel Castro giving a speech, former U.S. president John F. Kennedy delivering his inaugural address, and former Taiwanese president Lee Teng-hui talking to the press.

It was not the first incident of Taiwan using Nazi imagery. Last year, a trendy Taiwan bistro with a prison camp theme took down pictures of Holocaust victims and other images that upset Jewish groups, and apologized for causing offense.

German and Israeli representatives in Taiwan also complained about a cartoon image of Hitler used by a local firm to promote German space heaters. Taiwan officials have acknowledged a lack of knowledge and sensitivity about the Holocaust on the island.