CIVIL WAR?

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 220, 17 September 1930, Page 7

CIVIL WAR?

MARCH ON BERLIN. Fears of German Fascists , Intentions. WOULD ARMY REMAIN LOYAL ? (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—CopjTight) (Received 11.30 a.m.)' BERLIN, September 16,

The Government organ, "Germania," says that the Cabinet is determined to face the Reichstag.and submit a definite programme, including finance bills promulgated by decree and also reform bills. Thus will it force all parties to face the 'political necessities. This is interpreted §s a threat of another dissolution if the bills are rejected.. Herr Hitler appears morel sober in Ms summing up of the political situation, than some of his exuberant lieutenants, who want portfolios immediately. He warned them to go slow. .', . . It. is reported ttiat he proposes applying for German citizenship, which has hitherto been refused him. If he obtains it he will become a Reichstag candidate at the next election, which he predicts will take place , in 1931, resulting in, a still more overwhelming victory for National Socialists. . . The • Berlin correspondent .of the "Daily Telegraph" says a sinister possibility is that Herr Hitler may attempt another "march on Berlin' , similar to the one he organised at' Munich in 1923. - Such a step would almost certainly mean civil war because even if the army joined the Fascists the Prussian Government would organise the' State police in defence of the Republic, the police having all the armaments of soldiers except artillery. The correspondent says the general belief, however, is-'that while Marshal Hindenburg is President the army will stand firm against the Fascists.' The "Times" says the appeal by the National Socialists to the German voters can no longer be-dismissed as a mere predilection for rowdyism or a desire of a discontented minority for a revolution like that of the Italian Fascists. Herr Hitler's followers stand for some national ideal. Their ranks have been swelled by a substantial body of working-class voters. ■ •.•'■

It-would* be foolish to disguise the undoubted anxiety in regard to. the election aroused in many European countries, especially, in France. The- fate of Parliamentary Government lies largely in the Fascists' hands-. | ■ The Berlin Stock Exchange is panicky and. flome stocks have depreciated 20 points. A message from Geneva says the result of the general election in Germany has created excited talk in League of Nations circles. It is felt that the- new Government is not likely to be as ready as its predecessors to continue the conciliation policy originated by the late Herr Stresemann. . ,