Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-09-13
Fourth Of q Series

new approach by the sPD
would work--not even the SPD
leaders themselves. But the
danger lies in the possibility
the SPD win try their scheme
and in the process Of finding
IL doesn't work. seriously dis
rupt NATO's delicate structure.
The SPD's Plan
In brief, this Is what the
SPD wants to try If It comes TO
power: 1t would make an offer
to Russia TO trade German
military neutrality for reuni-
fication. and 1t would attempt
to help organize q European
mutual security organization
guaranteed by Russia and
America.
There is no danger in our
ideas for the West" an SrD
spokesman said. I'VE would
take no unilateral action TO end
our commitments TO NATO: we
still insist that q united Ger
many must be free and gem
timely democratic; we would
ask no concessions from the
West without similar oonces-
sions from the Communist
bloc"
These matters. he said, viii
be discussed with NATO. That's
all. II the word from the allies
were mo-" an SPD German
government would certainly not
60 on alone.
I'VE believe NATO was q fine
thing when it was organized"
he continued. TT was q mis-
take. however. to include Ger
many in the alliance. Germany
has not been able to contribute
anything significant TO NATO,
but ct the same time member
ship IN the organization has
blocked I'll chances at reuni-
fication.
1T Is time for q new APP
proach." sse
Can't Work, Adenauer Says
Uncle Sam officially Is stay
ing aloof from the argument,
but Chancellor Adenauet pro-
vides the rebuttal In his cam
paign speeches. In the first
place. he says. IL is nonsense
to talk about Withdrawing from
NATO with the consent Of the
allies. The consent won't be
given. as Germany's promised
IL divisions win be needed to
keep the NATO shield strong
In the middle.
So, the Chancellor says, the
SPD policy would mean that
Germany would have to defy
her allies and break the NATO
treaties unilaterally or else
stay in the alliance.
There is q tendency here to
say the SPD proposal is merely
campaign oratory by q trailins
party, that the scheme will
never be tried If the SPD does
win, or that II it is tried the
Russians viii reject It and put
an end to the whole problem.
But there are other compli-
cations.
See SPD . Poor Partner
/ In the first place the intent
of the SPD leaders worries the
West. Perhaps nothing would
come Of the plan. but 1t shows
than an SPD government would
have no faith or interest in
NATO and would be q poor,
unenthusiastic partner.
The SPD says it would bow to
the will Of the allies, but there
Is concern that phony smiles
from Russia might shake that
promise.
The SPD says it win remain
ideologically united with the
West. but 1t believes It can be
military and that Germany can
ern leaders, and German Chan
cellor Adenauer, believe the
struggle is both theological and
militarily uncommitted. West
not avoid choosing sides.
But supposing the SPD wins
and then gives the new scheme
q whirl? What would be the
consequences even Of an at
tempt?
SPD leaders indicate they viii
start talking promptly with the
NATO allies and the Russians.
The Russians would be stupid
not to hold out tempting bait
to the German neeotiators and
then keep them dangling on
\ the hook. The Germans would
offer concessions, the Russians
would sound favorable and
America and other NATO coun-