Evening star., 1932-05-22
BY DR.. JULIUS CURTIUS.

Former German Minister OF Foreign Affairs.
~ ERLIN May 81 (NAN.A.).- With
- the elections for the German
presidency and the Parliaments
IL of Prussia, Bavaria and Wur-
temberg ended, and a period Of
two and half years filled with plebl-
scites and elections, beginning with the
vote on the Young plan; closed, the way
Is free for new order of things in the
German commonwealth If no unforeseen
catastrophes occur.
For months French politics were ham
dicapped by electioneering considera-
tions; no prospect of a reorganization
of political conditions within and with
out presented itself. But now the ten
sion in that country resulting from the
elections for the chamber and the pres
16ency has relaxed.
England has had a six months respite
since her parliamentary elections. Un-
der a national government she is being
reconstructed and is throwing the full
weight OF her consolidated policy into
the scales of European and interna-
tional affairs.
To make new start toward cooper
ation among peoples it seems to me that
the actual facts, the possibilities arising
from the election campaigns in three OF
the largest countries of Europe must be
borne clearly in mind. They must be
considered together with next Falls
presidential and congressional elections
in the United States.
Must Understand Factors
These important factors, together
with their significance in international
politics, must be grasped before it is
possible to understand the utter stag
nation in the spirit of international duty
which has prevailed in the recent past
and which unfortunately still prevails.
However, such understanding will
enable us to seize in the near future
the opportunity Of some progress in
common endeavor to overcome the eco
nomic and political crisis the nations
have been suffering lor two years.
Interest in all these elections has
been great everywhere. 1t is generally
recognized that the shaping of a coun-
try's foreign policy is increasingly de-
pendent upon the movements existing
within that country. At the same time.
unconsciously, perhaps reluctantly, one
feels the ever-increasing influences
which bind nation to nation.
The talk of ISOLATION and of policy
of ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS In no way dis
proves this contention. These tend
encies toward isolation and self-suf
ficiency are natural manifestations of
the world crisis. They are directed
against the false methods of interna-
tional intercourse employed in the
postwar period, against international
politics founded on force, against COM
Mercial intercourse operating only with
most favored nation clauses, against a
mechanized credit system of interna
tional capitalism constantly disturbed
by politics.
These things will find a proper ad-
Justment II 1t be possible to bring
about corporation among governments
based on mutual confidence; II COM |
mercial organization elastic enough to |
adapt itself to modern production and |
consumption conditions can be created, !
and if the large note-issuing banks. |
in common with their governments, |
Systematically Cooperate in the es-
tablishment of credit system cor
tiopal economics.
Must Use Time Well.
The paths to these goals are long
and tedious. Before the goals are
reached tremendous demands will be
placed on the responsibility and vision
of statesmen At least, it is well that
they should be freed from the leaden
weight of elections. They must make
good use of their time before the next
accounting to their peoples; they must
take reSolute hold of the great task Of
reconstructing international politics
and international economics.
From this viewpoint look back for
moment at the elections in Germany
and the situation thereby created.
The actual results are known every
where. Hindenburg was reelected
President with an absolute majority of
SO per cent. This guarantees a stable, |
well considered policy in Germany.
In the fulfillment of the tasks Of peace |
imposed on them by the Almighty, the |
German people will continue to be i'm
bued by calmneSs staunchness and |
dignity. BY putting forth all our pow
ers we have worked our way up through |
the catastrophies of postwar years. We |
shall overcome the present crisis, too
There Is no justification for morally |
disqualifying the German people. or for |
expressing doubt of the ability of Ger |
many to cooperate in the reorganiza |
tion of international politics and inter- |
national economics based on justice and |
equality.
Communism has been repelled. There |
is no doubt about that. There is no field |
in Germany for its expansion. The |
National Socialists, despite the crisis |
despite their tremendous propaganda, |
N4u 4lOS ObIdAl q dJOAiby In -olA /
per cent of the votes fell to their share |
In none of the larger German States |
can they rule alone. They are de- |
pendent upon coalitions.
Bruening Improves Position.
The Center, Chancellor Bruening's |
party, has maintained and strengthened |
the key position of German politics Ac- |
cording to its leaders. it guarantees |
that neither experiments nor a policy |
of "sef delusion" will be carried on at |
home or abroad. The indications are |
that a feeling Of responsibility has in
creased on all sides.
A great deal depends on the attitude |
of the other nations toward Germany. |
Are they willing to cooperate in the |
removal Of essential causes for unrest |
and radicalism in Germany?
National Socialism's source of strength |
lies in the inexpreSsible national dis |
appointment and despair engendered |