Law To Curb Regrowth Of Militarism Or Nazism In Occupied Western Germany

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27267, 19 December 1949, Page 5

Law To Curb Regrowth Of Militarism Or Nazism In Occupied Western Germany

New Zealand Press Association—Copyright Rec. 11 p.m. BONN, Dec. 18. The text was issued last night of a new law signed by the Allied High Commissioners earlier in the day for the continued demilitarisation of Western Germany and the elimination of Nazism. It reiterates the occupying Powers’ determination to see that Germany develops along peaceful lines, and continues the prohibition of any activity which teaches directly or indirectly the theory, principles, or technique of war, or is intended to prepare for any warlike activity or to foster the re-emergence of militarism. The new law also prohibits, unless expressly authorised by the High Commission, the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession or use of any article or device with the intention of facilitating any of these activities. Military and National Socialist organisations will also remain prohibited as well as organisations which require their members to be war veterans. Penalties for infringement include imprisonment for life or a fine not exceeding 100 marks, or both.

The law was passed only a few hours after the West German Parliament had inconclusively debated the German rearmament question. During the debate, Nazi-minded Dr Franz Richter said “So long as one member of an allied nation remains in occupation of this country, we categorically decline to consider any questions on rearmament. Never in history has a defeated nation been so degraded as the German nation has been since 1945.”

In Munich tonight 70 former SS officers and Gestapo men attended a secret meeting of the extreme Nationalist Fatherland Union. Reuter’s Munich correspondent quotes the meeting leader as stating: “ Down with the anti-Nazi traitors who sold out to the allies.” Of German war guilt he said “The German people have nothing to be ashamed of.” The Bavarian Government has promised immediate action against Neo-Fascism. DEPUTIES WALK OUT.

More than 200 deputies walked out of the West German Parliament as a protest against the action of the Communist leader, Max Reimann, in describing the Adenauer regime as a “ Government of marionettes—a puppet Government that would be swept away by the people,” The Speaker, Dr Koehler, suspended the session for half an hour, and left the chair.

The incident occurred during the debate on possible German contribution to West European defence. Reimann accused Dr Adenauer of fostering a rearmament plan backed by German and American Imperialism. Reimann alleged that Dr Adenauer in a press interview had declared in favour of remilitarisation.

The Rules Committee of the West German Parliament decided that no disciplinary action should be taken against Reimann for his remark. He was permitted to resume speaking wren Parliament reconvened after the halfhour recess.

A motion by Reimann that the Allies should be told that no German contingents would be supplied for use in any army was indefinitely postponed. Appointment on Ruhr Authority. West Germany today appointed Franz Bluecher as its representative on the International Ruhr Authority. The appointment signified West German acceptance of international control over the big industrial region. Mr Bluecher is Deputy-Chancellor and Marshall Aid Minister in the West German Government.