FUSION IN GERMANY

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 December 1946, Page 8

FUSION IN GERMANY

development in allied POLICY BEVIN’S HOPES FOR FUTURE LONDON, December 3. Commenting on the agreement in New York, Mr. Bevin said that it would be of tremendous importance to Europe-as a whole if some sort ol economic stability could be restored in Germany without at the same time again allowing that country to become a threat to peace. A povertystricken Germany in the middle 01 Europe could bring down the standard of living of the entire Continent. Mr. Bevin hoped that the agreement marked the end'of economic troubles in Germany. A correspondent says that Mi. Bevin was’ particularly anxious to make it plain that the agreement was in no way antagonistic to countlies other than those concerned. It is stated in New York that Russia and France were invited to join Britain and America in the economic unification of the 'occupation zones as agreed at Potsdam, but neithei has yet positively responded. The Berlin correspondent of The Times says that the news of the signing of the-agreement will be regarded everywhere' in Germany as the first development in Allied policy after months of stagnation and uncertainty. . Nobody who has been in the British zone in recent weeks can fail to be. deeply disturbed by the deterioration of German morale in industrial towns or to perceive behind the immediate concern over food, warmth, clothing, and a shelter a constant fear that German industry would never revive. The remark most frequently heard has been: “We see no way out.” Such a position has been intolerable to people who still regard their industriousness and talent for organisation as one of their greatest assets. Tf the agreement can be given effect reasonably soon it is not likely that German co-operation will be withheld.

The Times in a leading art.iclc says the Germans would be well advised net to expect spectacular improvements in conditions in Western Germany. No amount of dollars or determination can get goods and raw materials into Germany faster than shortages, rising prices, transport bottlenecks, and strikes permit. The agreement gives the Germans what they have most lacked hitherto —a sense of. purpose and hope. The Times adds that the Germans’ repayment of £250,000,000 threatens to collide with reparations, but the repayment must have priority. The new plan can scarcely be combined With further reparation payments out of German capital equipment in the west with the exception of unconvertible war factories.