Hawke's Nazi outburst to US embassy Bob Hawke likened Sir John Kerr to "von Hindenburg" in 1975. Picture: Sam Mooy Source: Supplied DAYS after the November 11, 1975 dismissal of Gough Whitlam, Bob Hawke briefed US Embassy officials in Canberra, likening Sir John Kerr to "von Hindenburg," the man who appointed Adolf Hitler as chancellor of Germany and gave rise to Nazism. Mr Hawke, who was president of the ALP and the ACTU at the time, also predicted a "big win" for Labor over "Fascist Fraser" in the aftermath of the double dissolution. Malcolm Fraser led the Coalition a month later in an unprecedented landslide victory over Labor. The revelations come from the latest WikiLeaks release of mostly unclassified US State Department documents from the 1973 - 1976 period. Mr Hawke, who became prime minister in 1983, was tasked with desperately working up a campaign for Labor after it had been plunged into crisis after Mr Whitlam's dismissal. The cable, from two days after the dismissal, states: "Labatt (from the US Embassy in Canberra) recalled Hawke gloom over Labor electoral prospects as recently as six weeks ago when he predicted Labor loss of thirty seats if election held then. Hawke replied that although he is a 'reputed agnostic, somebody up there' is looking out for (the) party. It went on: "Hawke told Labatt (that) Whitlam hurt by Governor General dismissal, but deposed leader very determined, and genuinely convinced that institution of parliament in danger from 'fascist Fraser'. Hawke says governor general now being characterised as 'von Hindenburg' of Australia. Hawke briefed the American on campaign plans, which would mainly feature himself and Mr Whitlam. "Labatt raised question of incitement of workers during last few days by communist leaders in trade union movement," said the cable to Washington. Hawke said he expected them to try to exploit situation, but felt he had support from overwhelming majority who would heed his call to stay at work, earning money to support party. Hawke told the Americans he would boycott Communist-dominated rallies of coming days. "Labatt noted Hawke was "surrounding himself with staff instead of adopting lone role of past fights."