Evening star., 1953-04-09
Dr.. Adenouer's Advice

In his fine address to the National Press
Club Chancellor Konrad Adenauer of West
Germany has offered wise and timely counsel
on how best to respond to the multiplicity Of
olive-branch gestures being made by the post
Stain Soviet regime. His counsel is this:
That the free world-meaning particularly the
Atlantic community-should watch all such
with caution" and with firm resolve to hold
fast together in building up its political,
economic and military strength.
Sharing view held by more than few
others, DR.. Adenauer believes that the death of
Stalin-who occupied IAN absolutely dominating
and almost supernatural position" among the
Russians-has left void that has created
an era OF possibly explosive uncertainty in the
Soviet Union. AS result, feeling unSure of
itself and anxious for breathing space to
enable it to consolidate its power, the new
Malenkov government is seeking ways to avoid
internal unrest and external disturbances" The
ways include such things as its recent amnesty
decree and price reductions on the home front,
and its sudden resort to numerous conciliatory
moves in the outside world.
But DR.. Adenauer, although he does not
reject them as being necessarily phony, holds
that these moves call for large degree of
skepticism and suspicion. At any rate, as he
they add up at present to convincing evidence"
of basic change in the decadeS-old Soviet
policy of dominance-seeking subversion and ag-
gression. To be really convincing, in his opinion
the evidence must include such other Kremlin
gestures as an agreement to stage free elections
throughout the whole of his partitioned coun-
try and decision to release the more than
100000 Germans who are still held in Russia as
prisoners Of war or displaced persons. AS long
as that kind of action is lacking, he will con-
tinue fearful of the danger of possible at
tempt by the Malenkov regime to lull the
Western powers into a shattering neglect of
their common defenses
Accordingly, mindful of that danger and
of the present "imbalance of power relation
Ships" DR.. Adenauer has warned the entire
Atlantic world that "there is only one thing
to do; the West must pursue its proposed
policies steadily, consistently and calmly" until
its strength is great enough to persuade the
men of the Kremlin to enter upon negotiations
for an all-around settlement that will endure.
To that end speaking for his own people, he
has voiced the firm conviction that his country
will ratify the siX-nation treaty for European
Defense Community. And he has pledged that
1t can be counted upon through the long years
ahead to stand on the side of liberty, peace
and continental unifcation.
AS a symbol of its commitment in that
sense, and also as a token of gratitude for
American aid, DR.. Adenauer has announced
that his government is making available field
hospital to serve those fighting for freedom in
Korea" It is a good symbol that lends force to
his assurance that the Germany he represents
is intent upon living up to the spirit of these
words of his: Each historic epoch has its own
challenges Each and every argument of reason
shows us in Europe the way toward united
action, at the end of which one day will stand
the United States of Europe"-a great new
union dedicated to the cause of liberty and
human betterment