Ashburton Guardian Magna a est Veritas Et Prævalebit MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1949. EAST v. WEST

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 46, 5 December 1949, Page 2

Ashburton Guardian Magna a est Veritas Et Prævalebit MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1949. EAST v. WEST

The recent Bonn agreement between the Allies and the Western German Government, headed by Dr. Adenauer, gave rise to the hope that this particular part of the country would soon be in a position to play an effective and important part in the future of Europe, and that, as a result of

its own efforts, Germany would soon win a place in the community of European peoples. Just how far the new plans will succeed remains to be seen. Operations of industrialists and business concerns in the East, however, may prove a stumbling block, and it is clear that the Russians will leave no stone unturned in an endeavour to stir up constant strife and dissatisfaction. An instance of this was. seen recently in the release of big stocks of Christmas goods in the Soviet sector of Berlin with a consequent rush from the West to be in on the good things available. Of greater significance, however, is a statement in “United' Nations World” that in a move to give their production a crushinglead over those of the West, east-

ern industrialists will soon startusing 200 major “secret” patents which involve the important fields of chemicals, printing, synthetics and machinery. The opinion is expressed that Britain is most threatened by this new development, but it will perhaps be tell with drastic results in all the countries now trying to rebuild their economies through a revival of foreign trade. The revolutionary patents, it is contended, will help eastern manufacturers recapture rapidly the superior export position they held in pre-war days, when at least 80 per cent, of sales abroad were non-agricul-tural products. “United Nations World” says: “While this fast play in the economic field causes grave concern, there are other as-

pects of the .German resurgence that are again frightening Europe, particularly France . . Adenauers’ first objective is to push ahead with intensive industrialisation. His second is a progressive reduction of Allied influence. The third is to incorporate into the new Germany the German refugees from the East, which would mean a further strengthening of i the Right. His fourth aim is to achieve de facto international autonomy, with participation in international technical conferences.” These fears are not borne out by Adenauer’s statements following the Bonn agreement, but it can be taken for certain that the Western Powers, will watch his actions' closely.