The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1929. A GREAT GERMAN.

Southland Times, Issue 20897, 5 October 1929, Page 6

The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1929. A GREAT GERMAN.

Allowing that the Germans understand their position much better than the peoples of other nations, it is possible that even the Germans are not yet conscious of the loss they have sustained in the passing of Gustav Stresemann, the Minister of Foreign Affaire, under whose strong hand the republic has moved from the bitter defeat of war to a sturdy part in the development of peace. Stresemann was essentially a minister of peace. He camo to the front after the close of the war, and after some early struggles established himself in German confidence, from which he worked steadily to mitigate Germany's burdens and to build a new understanding among the great powers. On the home front he had to contend against the Communists and the Nationalists, both parties pressing for a policy that would have estranged Germany from the w’estern powers and perpetuated the war distrust, but he resisted both successfully, and it was a striking testimony to his strength in Germany that when government after government was formed to meet the constantly veering winds of political opinion he was ( retained in charge of the foreign policy. He was, in fact, Ger-

many’s strong man and the governments were formed about him. The position when he took charge of the foreign policy was difficult. Germany was being driven by economic pressure and by national pride into a mood that bordered on the defiance of despair, and abroad there was suspicion so deep, so virulent that every proposal put forward by the Germans was regarded with profound distrust. In the Allied camp there were changes, and through all of these moves Stresemann worked steadfastly, building up a reputation for straightforward dealings, and an earnest desire for peace which did more than anything else to win for his country its place in the League of Nations. Closely associated with Lord d’Abernon, who will be remembered in this country as Sir Edgar Vincent, he learned, through his conversations with that brilliant Ambassador to Berlin to trust the Government, and in these circumstances his sturdy adherence to the “western” policy, his unremitting rcsistence of linking with the Eastern nations, is easily understood. His achievement in international affairs, however,! cannot be understood properly if recognition is not accorded the winning of both Britain and France without once exciting the suspicions of either. The turning point was reached years ago when Stresemann and Briand disappeared for a few days, and emerged to the world again from a wayside village where unattended they had talked over the great issues confronting Europe. The British Government was fully aware of this development, and encouraged it because it offered the best way of bringing France and Germany to a mutual understanding. There were changes in the French Government, but Briand and Stresemann had come to appreciate each other and to realize how they must work jointly for peace, not as antagonists, but as protagonists. Out of the little village came tho movement which gradually softened suspicion and made friendly agreements possible. Germany is not yet satisfied with her position, but thanks to Stresemann she has gained much and not the least of her victories is the regard won for her by this remarkable man. Stresemann gave his life in the service of Germany and European peace, and he was far-seeing enough to know that no matter who succeeds him the future is assured. His firm grip has crushed the Nationalist bitterness and the fiery passions of Communism. Germany will not “go over’’ to Russia, she will not adopt the metallic defiance of the Imperialists: it is fairly clear that the Stresemann policy will be adopted as a legacy which his successor will have to follow. A calm survey of post-war events cannot fail to enhance his standing as a statesman. He was Germany’s saviour, and though his countrymen may still chafe at some of the burdens they have to carry, their lot has been bettered enormously through his efforts. His achievements were not all in foreign affairs. He dominated the field of home politics by virtue of his office, and though he did not employ coercion, it was clear that he was the real master of Germany, and shaped her domestic politics. His passing is a great blow, but in every country there should be a feeling of deep gratitude that he lived long enough to establish his policy so firmly that no blundering successor can undo hie work.