WARNING SIGNAL IN GERMANY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 152, 29 June 1945, Page 4

WARNING SIGNAL IN GERMANY

pRAVE threats to the successful reconstruction of Germany are evident M in the Allies' differing approach to the problem of workers' organisations. In the British zone the Free Socialist Trade Union Association was dissolved by order of the Military Government, while in the Russian area a similar organisation is permitted. To-day news is received that the Russian-sponsored trade unions have adopted a four-point programme which aims at fighting the Nazi ideology, reconstruction and rehabilitation of industry and the country generally, the restoration of the workers' right to bargain with employers, and finally a programme to educate the people in democratic ways and so consolidate friendship with other countries. These proposals should find favour with the British and American occupation leaders, for they are in line with our declared policy for Germany.

As.has been pointed out, the German is probably still too numb to appreciate the difference in approach, but the human spirit is quick to recover from even the most shattering experiences, and the news that trade unions are permitted, and indeed encouraged, in the Russian zone cannot be kept from the rest of the country for long. During the years of Nazi ascendancy Dr. Goebbels painted such an alarming picture of the Red Terror that there was a large-scale exodus from eastern Germany as the Russians moved in. The Soviet authorities know why the people fled, and they are taking steps to change the German outlook. Several weeks ago the new popular song, "Berlin Will. Rise .Again," was sung in the former capital's cabarets, with Red Army officers joining in. The next step was recognition of the unions. If new grievances are to be prevented the British and American authorities must work out a common policy with the Soviet representatives, and they must do so soon.