GERMAN POLITICAL SITUATION.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 38, 9 May 1924, Page 3

GERMAN POLITICAL SITUATION.

The German elections resulted in marked progress by the Extremists, with the collapse of the Centre Social Democrats. The surprising Communist gains were due to reaction against Hitlerism. The Right demands the restoration of the monarchy and the rejection of the experts’ reports; and the Extreme Eight desires to tear up the Versailles Treaty. It is considered that the result must be to ease the international situation; but the increase of Communism necessitates German concentration upon international affairs. It is expected that the disunited Central Parties will re-unite, but even if they succeed with the help of the Social Democrats and : the German People’s Party in forming a I new Cabinet, its life is certain to be ; short. I I lie Socialists remain the largest I party, and undoubtedly will be called to ■ form a Government, which, however, ‘ will only be possible if the Socialists obtain support of the Democrats, the Centre Party, and the German People’s > I arty, but since the foregoing favour • the carrying out of the experts’ report, I it is practically coitain the new Govern- i mmt will be a reversion to the cl 1 big ' coaLtion, whim, with about 234 j p tiers, will he opjesed by about 216 I German Nationals, Communists, fix- I treme Nationals, apd minor parties j further results of the elections make I th? situation still more confusing, and • it is now by no moans certain that the Socialists will be the largest party m the Reichstag. The German National* already numbering 9j, will probably be joined by nine or ton Deputies of the so-called Land Bund, the supporters of j which are ex-members of the German . National Party. If this happens, ihe German Nationals will be the largest ' party, and should the present Govern ' ment resign President Ebert is bound to ask the Gorman National Party to | form a Government. LONDON, May (5. The Daily Chronicle’s Berlin correspondent states that the new Reichstag will have a majority of at least a hundred in favour of the Experts’ Report, rhe loaders also believe that they can command the two-thirds majority necessary for the passing of the change in the Constitution concerning the control >f the railways. Responsible opinion in London is that he result of the German elections will not materially affect the exports’ report. It is expected that Ihe Nationalists will support the necessary legislation in connection with the proposals.