ADENAUER’S FUTURE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29625, 22 September 1961, Page 7

ADENAUER’S FUTURE

Decision By F.D.P. (N.Z.P.A .-Reuter—Copyright) BONN, September 20. The West German Free Democratic Party yesterday told Dr. Adenauer to step down unless he wants to head a minority government, the British United Press reported. If the Christian Democratic Party, led by Dr. Adenauer, wants the help of the Free Democrats in forming a majority coalition government after the election, It will have to nominate someone other than Dr. Adenauer as chancellor, the F.D.P. chairman, Mr Erich Mende, said. The Christian Democratic Party lost its absolute Parliamentary majority in Sunday’s election. The F.D.P. increased its seats from 41 to 66, thus gaining a powerful position in coalition negotiations. The Parliamentary parties of the C.D.U. and F.D.P. met separately yesterday to work out their coalition offers. Dr. Mende said the F.D.P. unanimously agreed on the Free Democratic offer, but he declined to reveal ..exact details. There was no immediate word on C.D.U. plans. Dr. Mende indicated he would reject any offer to join a coalition if Dr. Adenauer remained Chancellor for an interim period.

C.D.U. sources mentioned this possibility, with Dr Adenauer staying on until the present Berlin crisis subsided. then giving way for the Economics Minister (Mr Erhard).