World Scene: Poland

'Hitler tree' faces the ax

An oak tree planted in Nazi-occupied Poland during WWII to mark Adolf Hitler's birthday may soon face the ax if the local mayor has her way.

Authorities in Jaslo in rural southeastern Poland discovered the origins of the tree when plans were lodged to fell it to make way for a traffic roundabout. "Should I try to improve our town's communications or should I allow a memorial to that criminal to remain standing? The choice is simple for me," said Jaslo's mayor, Maria Kurowska.