This inference can be drawn from the contents of many of the upto 1,000 letters a month written to the Nazi ruler -- the mails have been uneathered by German historian Henrik Eberle, who published them in his new book.

The book, titled Letters to Hitler -- People Writes to its Leader, contains contents of the letters, which included not only fawning pledges of allegiance but bizarre requests from ordinary Germans for permission to bake cakes named after the Nazi leader, The Independent reported on Tuesday.

Although they were written only early in Hitler's career, shortly after he was released from jail in 1923, they show that he was already being deluged with fan mail.

The daily cited a telegram written by one Walter Zickler, dated June 1925. It pledges "unalterable allegiance and unshakeable faith in "Adolf Hitler", on behalf of the "College of German Farmers".

"How does HE stand regarding the question of alcohol?" asks Alfred Barg, in a letter written to Hitler in May 1925.

To Barg's letter, the dictator's deputy Hess replies nine days later, "Herr Hitler does not drink any alcohol, except for a few drops on very special occasions. He does not smoke at all."

Another letter written by a loyal National Socialist baker asks for permission to bake a new variety of cake, which would in future be honoured with the name "Hitler Cake". Hess sniffily refuses because Hitler's strategy is to strictly avoid "kitsch" publicity gimmicks.

The most obsequious mail came from Nazi Party members.