SUDDEN CRISIS

Southland Times, Issue 21716, 31 May 1932, Page 5

SUDDEN CRISIS

GERMAN POLITICS CHANCELLOR RESIGNS BKUENING’S PROBLEMS MILITARY INTERFERENCE (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 10.25 p.m.) Berlin, May 30. President Hindenburg and the Chancellor, Dr. Bruening, had a momentous conference on the political situation on Sunday which was renewed to-day. Later it was announced that Dr. Bruening had resigned. An emergency decree to meet the financial crisis caused difficulties, particularly the proposed curtailment of war pensions to wounded ex-service men, widows and orphans. Trade unions also insisted that the new taxes which the emergency decree would levy on all workers to help the unemployed, should not be placed on small incomes, the trade unions holding that the wealthy must bear a larger burden. In view of these difficulties and the nearness of the Lausanne Conference Dr. Bruening wanted an assurance that President Hindenburg was supporting the Government’s policy and asked for a pledge that the President would not tolerate the interference of military leaders with the Government administration, It is understood that the President asked for time to consider the matter and would reply to-day. There can be no doubt that since Herr Groener’s resignation on May 12 a group of generals headed by General von Schleichter has been trying to drive a wedge between Dr. Bruening and President Hindenburg. It has been suggested that General von Schleichter may be removed from the political area by his transfer to the command of an army corps; otherwise he is a candidate for the Defence Ministry. The Berlin correspondent of The Times says it is believed that Dr Bruening requested a reinforcement of his powers sufficient to carry him not only 1 through the Lausanne Conference but beyond it. Dr Bruening was apparently unable to induce President Hindenburg to agree. It is difficult to forsee the consequences of Dr. Bruening’s resignation; but a military cabinet is not at present expected. Dr Bruening is the first Republican Chancellor to relinquish office because the President’s confidence has not been forthcoming. Thus the German situation under the pressure of a crisis is leading back to absolution.

NAZI’S SUCCESS OLDENBURG ELECTION. (Rec. 7 p.m.) Berlin, May 30. Polling 131,525 votes against their opponents’ 126,962, the Nazis captured 24 of 46 seats in the Oldenburg State Parliament. This is the first complete Nazi majority over all other parties in any election. COMMUNIST RIOTS DISORDERS IN RHINELAND. (Rec. 7.15 p.m.) London, May 30. The Frankfurt correspondent of The Times states that four were killed in Communist riots in 'the Rhineland which are still not quelled. Shop windows were smashed and looted, demonstrations disappearing when the police arrived. A pitched battle between rioters and the police at Zuppertae lasted two hours. Communists used rifles and automatic pistols. They pulled up manholes and tore up the roads in order to obstruct the police. Several hundred demonstrators were arrested.