GERMAN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 7 May 1924, Page 2

GERMAN ITEMS

AtJBTBALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. german elections. BERLIN. May 5. The result of the* elections has already made it clear that the Extreme Nationalists have in no wise done well, and as expected, must he content to take a hack .seat in the new Reichstag. Even in tin* Extreme Nationalist s stronghold, like Munich, a large number of voles went to the German Nationals. It is significant that the extreme Nationalists have not gained a single seat in the occupied territory. On the other hand, the German Nationals. of whom the late Ileleflelich was the leader, and who with the Monarchist reactionaries were the cpnonents of tin* Experts’ plans, have done extremely well and They will be the second strongest party in the Reichstag with about ninety seal* as compared with G 7 previously. The Communists done better than was expected, having nearly GO seat* compared will) 15 previously. I hey scored heavily in parts of lierlin. and the big industrial towns in Saxony and Thuringia. Seemingly. practically every former Independent Socialist has gim* over to Communism. The German People’s Party led by Or Sires-cnian. has done badly, and is likely to lose seats t > the Nationalists. The Catholic Centre Party and the Democrats will have about sixty and forty seats respectively, as before. No important changes are expected in the other groups. 'The position in tile new Reichstag is interesting, but ■'(implicated. Certainly a majority will favour tbe acceptance <t( the Experts’ reports, hut two-thirds of a majority is necessary for a change in the constitution which is involved liy the acceptance of the Experts* Reports and which is impassible without the support of the Nationalists. If they remain irreconcilable opponent,; of the j Report, which is doubtful, there will j be no chance of the Reichstag adopting j the reports and evil days will again 1 fall upon Germany.

SOCIALISTS STRONGEST PARTY

LONDON, May 0

idle responsible opinion in London is that the result of the German elections will not materially afleet the Reparations Experts' report. It expected the Nationalists will supportall necessary legislation in connection therewith. HEREIN. May (i. i 'The Socialists remain the largest party. Undoubtedly they w ill be call-j ed upon to form a Government, which,! however, will only be possible il the Socialists obtain the support ol the Democrats. Centrists and the German People's Party. but since the toregoing are in favour of carrying out lie* Experts’ report, il i* practically ect-j tain the new Government will lie a ; reversion to the old big coalition, ; which, with about 231 supporters will; he opposed by about 21 fi German Na-; tionals, Communists, Extreme Na-. thumbs, and minor parties. I