The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1927. GERMAN GOVERNMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 19454, 12 January 1927, Page 6

The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1927. GERMAN GOVERNMENT.

Last month a political crisis developed in Germany. It was caused by the action of the Social Democrats, who expressed dissatisfaction with Dr Gessler, the Defence Minister, for his methods in dealing with the Nationalists in their attempts to gain control of the Reichswehr. This was a complaint of long standing, for he had on numerous occasions been charged with militarist tendencies. He had been accused of aiding and abetting General Von Scockt, the Commandcr-in-Chief of the Germany army, in currying out a policy which was militarist in its tendencies and implications. The Allies had demanded the dismissal of Von Seeckt, and tho Minister in October last relieved him of his office on tho ground that ho had allowed the ex-Kaiser’s grandson to attend some manoeuvres without tho Minister’s consent. The Social Democrats on December 16 made a determined attack on Dr Gessler’s administration of his office. They launched a motion of no confidence, and the division resulted in the downfall of the Government by a substantial majority. This was brought about by tho action of the Nationalists, who unexpectedly voted with the Socialists, despite the President’s request to them to refrain from voting on the ground that a stable Government was essential in view of the negotiations with Britain and France. That there was reason in the President’s plea wa's suggested by a cable message a few days later stating that an Anglo-German disarmament agreement was likely to be reached after the holidays as the result of a successful conference attended by tho Ambassadors and members of the German Government. It was indicated that legislation would bo introduced limiting the numbers of the police force and curbing the disturbing activities of various associations of Nationalist proclivities disguised under names that do not fit in with their sentiments. The action of the Nationalist party in voting against the Government was presumably inspired by resentment against the Foreign Minister (Dr Strosemann) for his peace efforts. The Government resigned after its defeat, but consented to hold office till after the holidays, when a new Administration would be formed.

Undoubtedly there is a strong feeling of mistrust in Republican circles in Germany in r.egard to the relations between the Reichswehr, a small but efficient body, and the numerous political organisations of a semi-military character. Allegations have been made repeatedly in the Reichstag on the matter, and in November Dr Gesslor felt impelled to deliver a statement on the question, hut his defence was considered very weak by those who had raised the issue, it being quite plain that the belief was that he erred on the side of tolerance where the activities of the Pan-Germans were concerned, provided that they did not make their objects too apparent. A definite charge was made that an illegal reserve or “Black Reichswehr ” existed in Silesia, and was partly supported by such funds as those recently collected by officers from industrial and commercial employers’ associations in Breslau for the financing of “gymnastic instruction” for the “civilian population.” In this way determined efforts are being continually made by the extreme Nationalists to form bodies of young men which, if a favorable opportunity offered, could be developed into the nucleus of an efficient army. The present attempt to form a Cabinet will be watched with the keenest of interest, wit particular relation to the position of Dr Stresemann. It will be a matter for regret if he is not asked to retain his position as Foreign, Minister, for he has been a consistent peacemaker, a fact which is acknowledged by the award to him of a Nobel peace prize. The position of Germany to-day in regard to the Locarno and the League of Nations is largely due to his efforts, and it would he unfortunate if his services were not available to extend the good work that he has accomplished. He referred once “to the recognition of the interdependence-of nations and my confident feeling that an insight into the difficulties with which each individual nation has struggled will render it easier - for all nations alike to remove misconceptions and arrive at an ever growing mutual understandicak'i Jk Strap&zuum im Forlipd neat

ously to that end in a practical way, and no incident has aver been reported to throw doubt on his sincerity. The present political position is rendered difficult by the multiplicity of parties in the Reichstag. It is not easy to estimate the strength of the Republican sentiment in the country, but it.seems to be vigorous enough to withstand the assault of those in the Monarchist camp. ■