Recent Events in Berlin Have Division of Germany As Possible Development

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26746, 15 April 1948, Page 5

Recent Events in Berlin H ave Division of Germany As Possible Development

s New Zealand Press Association Special Correspondent Rec. 8.30 p.m. LONDON, Apl. 14. The possible outcome of the events in Berlin and Vienna, and the likelihood of Germany being divided into Eastern and Western states, are being discussed, by diplomatic observers in London and newspaper correspondents in the British zone. Though the position is by no means clear, various assumptions are being made. One is that with the virtual breakdown of the Four-Power Control Council in Berlin there will be closer linking together of the American, British and French zones, while the establishment of a national Government for Western Germany is being considered. There are, however, a number of complications. The French, it is reported, have definite reservations. These concern, in particular, .any political integration of Western Germany except as a federation of virtually independent States, and also the future of the Ruhr. Agreement on these points, as well as monetary reform and a pooling of economic resources, will be required before any closer linking of the three Western zones can be achieved.

Another complication is the opposition of the Germans themselves to any division of Germany into two separate States. The desire for all-Ger-man unity is probably the most compelling motive in a divided Germany, The Times points out, and the 'Russians are trying to place the onus for partition on the West. With the breakdown of FourPower control, however, it is generally agreed that the Western Powers must unite their zones and establish a central authority. At the same time, as The Times also points out, they must do-nothing which will make it easy for the Soviet to represent them as being responsible for dividing Germany. Various opinions are being expressed. One is that working parties of the six Powers —America, Britain, France, and the Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxemburg)—can pave the way for closer unity of the three Western zones, which might be followed by a Three-Power agreement for the end of military government, leading to the restoration of full internal power and responsibility in national affairs to a German Federal Government.

In spite of German antagonism to partition, some see this as the logical aim in the present situation. With Western and Eastern States being established, they accept the idea of political warfare with Russia for the eventual unification of the two States. In such warfare the Western Powers would have the Western Union and Marshall aid on their side.

The opinion is expressed ‘that the Western Powers have got to prove in practice that participation in the Western Union is in so many words more profitable to Germans than participation in the Eastern bloc. Once that is established, it is thought that the Russians may come to terms. The battle for Berlin, it is felt, must be considered within this wider background. The Times comments that determination by the Western Allies to stay in Berlin is essential to the objective of achieving unity of all zones. Another suggestion is that Mr Ernest Bevin, Mr George Marshall, and M. Georges Bidault should meet in conference and consider the position in Germany, and the Manchester Guardian thinks that this may occur after the six Powers’ working parties have had further discussions in London. Some, apparent differences of opinion have recently been indicated between the American and British view, as is evidenced by criticisms that the Foreign Office is inclined to show “ appeasement ” in Berlin in contrast to the report that the American Military Governor, General Lucius Clay, wants a “showdown.” These differences, it is felt, c< 'cl be cleared up by a meeting of the three Foreign Ministers. In general, the position is confused, with both the Western Allies and the Russians fencing for political gains.

Sir Basil Brooke, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, who said in London yesterday that a change of Government in Eire would not lead to any improvement of relations so long as anti-partition propaganda continued on its present lines. He was surprised, he said, that British Labour members of the House of Commons were associating themselves with the move against partition. He failed to understand how anyone knowing the strategic position in the last war, and that which might develop in another, could take that attitude. —N.Z.P.A. —London.