WEST GERMAN GOVERNMENT

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25608, 24 September 1948, Page 7

WEST GERMAN GOVERNMENT

Mr Bevin said that the new currency in the Western zone had provided a new incentive for workers, crippled the black market, and reduced absenteeism. He believed that the Germans were turning with new heart and fresh hope to the reconstruction of their country.

He hoped that a provisional government for Western Germany would be established in the New Year. There was a growing sense of responsibility and leadership in* the leading German political parties. The German leaders were determined to safeguard the future from any return of totalitarianism.

Saying that the British Government was firmly resolved to go on with its policy, Mr Bevin said: “We are dealing with a people who are contesting it now, from whom you cannot buy peace. The Prime Minister in 1940, after Dunkirk, said, ‘Whatever you give and wherever you go to meet the Nazis demands you cannot settle.’ He was right

In this case, if you try going any further in making concessions of territory, and it does not satisfy demands.

there is conflict,” said Mr Bevin. “We have to make our own position firm

Mr R. A. Butler (Conservative), replying, said that on the question of what steps should be taken, the Opposition did not wish to see British policy conducted and inspired in the view that war was immediately inevitable. “We are equally determined to so comport ourselves tnat in the event of Russian policy leading to a clash we are ready.” The Opposition cheered when he said: “What we want to get clear is not so much whether a technical agreement can be reached with the Soviet, but whether the Russians intend to honour any agreement made.” The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr C. P. Mayhew), replying to the debate, said that the House had never been so firmly united as in its present demand that the Western Powers assert their rights in Berlin.

There were cheers when Mr Mayhew said that the talks with the Russians had proceeded without weakness and under no duress.