Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1950. GERMAN SITUATION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 151, 12 April 1950, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1950. GERMAN SITUATION

For a long time hopes have b‘en held, probably forlorn ones, that some suggestion would; be forthcoming which would bring about happier relations between East and West Germany. In a move in this direction, the Western authorities made proposals in regard to the,conduct of elections, but they were turned down by the Soviet authorities, who. set impossible conditions. One of these was that the Potsdam Agreement must be accepted as the base of four-Power occupation of Germany. The only thing that can be read into this condition is that the Western Powers have not abided by the agreement. The Western Powers have made every effort to see that Potsdam has been carried out, and so the Eastern implication comes, into the category of-propaganda. The truth is that the Russians have violated the agreement time and again; they, insist that their own interpretation of disputed points must be accepted. Other suggestions that before the nation-wide elections are held t'he Bonn Government must be dissolved, the occupation statute abolished and the Saar returned unconditionally to Germany are too absurd to disr cuss. But this does not deter the East German Government. From absurdity it passes easily to impertinence. The Western Powers are solemnly asked to cancel all measures they have introduced “which are contrary to the interests of the German people.” There may be an inclination on the part of many people to treat tine situation in Germany lightly, particularly the East, but it has to be remembered that the Russians occupy the area, and rule by force. No opposition can exist, and because of the particular set-up, the Russians firmly believe in the conditions they have advanced It would only need a few political successes to encourage the Russians to go a great deal furthei than they have gone at the moment. They have consolidated their position, and because of this probably do not fear local or national elections. The Western area is, to all intents and purposes, a frontier territory,, and the danger ahead appears to be intimidation and disruption playingon the fears of an exposed border population.