BLOW TO NATIONALISTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18702, 7 May 1924, Page 9

BLOW TO NATIONALISTS.

lack of leadership. GOVERNMENT CONFIDENCE. (Received 7.35 p.m.) TimeSf ' LONDON, May 5. The Nationalists have been • shaken somewhat in their faith that' they could secure a large majority for the policy of retistance. The loss of Herr Helfferich at a critical point in the campaign meant a great deal to them. Since then they have floundered hopelessly, owing to the lack of competent leadership. Their few remaining prominent men failed to offer any alternative to the Government's new ■ policy. . .' ' . Hie Berlin correspondent of the Tiroes says the polling passed off without serious incident. The gravity of the issue appeared to be • amply recognised by the great majority of the electors, and there v was a very heavy pell. The reparation experts' reports played a prominent part in the later stages of the Government campaign. In fact, they became the main issue from the moment the Government officially advocated thair acceptance. Since then the Government speakers, especially Herr Stresemann, have used hardly any other argument to ensure their return. Their cards are considered to have been so well played that Government circles display some confidence.

THE NEW GOVERNMENT.

TASK FOR SOCIALISTS.

REPARATION PLAN ISSUE.

(Received 12.5 p.m.),. Renter. -' ■ . LONDON, May 6. A message from Berlin states that the Socialists remain the largest party and they will undoubtedly be called upon to form a Government. This -will •, only be possible, however, if the Socialists obtain the support of the Democrats, the Centre Party and the German People's Party. Since the foregoing are all in favour of carrying out the reparation experts' report, however, it is practically certain that "the new Government will be a reversion to the old coalition, which, with about 234 supporters, will be opposed by about 216 German Nationals, Communists, Extreme Nationals and minor parties.

Responsible opinion in London is that the result of tha German elections will not materially affect the experts' reports. It is expected that thai Nationalists will support the necessary legislation in connection with them.