BRITISH ANXIETY

Southland Times, Issue 21717, 1 June 1932, Page 5

BRITISH ANXIETY

GERMAN CRISIS BRUENING’S DISMISSAL AN UNGRACIOUS ACT HINDENBURG CHANGES (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec| 9.50 p.m.) London, May 31. To-day Germany and France are virtually without Governments, while a mere fortnight is ahead of the Lausanne Conference, which Mr MacDonald insists is faced with even a bigger problem than debts and reparations, namely, falling world trade. The British and Continental Press are agreed that events in Germany are fraught with momentous possibilities. Cabinet meets to-day. Mr MacDonald is reported to be deeply concerned and eager to return to London earlier, while France anxiously awaits developments. President Hindenburg has now three courses open to him:— (1) The formation of a new Cabinet on a Parliamentary basis. The prospects of this are considered slender. (2) The establishment of a virtual dictatorship independent of the Reichstag, but it is known that President Hindenburg prefers constitutional procedure. (3) The appointment of a transitional Cabinet which will dissolve the Reichstag and conduct a general election. This is regarded at present as certain to result in a Government based on a Nazi (Nationalist) majority. Dr Bruening’s last interview with President Hindenburg must have been a heartbreaking experience. Those with inside information state that never was a Chancellor dismissed so ungraciously. When Dr. Bruening said “I have come to offer the resignation of myself and my colleagues,” President Hindenburg replied, “That is what I expected.” Dr Bruening departed without a word of thanks. President Hindenburg’s political career has been a strange paradox. He was made President by the Monarchists and consolidated the Republic. He was then made President by the Republicans, and immediately favoured the Monarchists. There is little doubt that he returned from his estate at Neudeck determined to dismiss Dr Bruening. His time lately has been spent among old military junker friends.

GAINING GROUND HITLER AND NAZIS HINDENBURG’S TASK. Berlin, May 30. Dr Bruening told the President that he wanted a long rest, which is interpreted to mean that he wishes to be excluded from the Cabinet negotiations. President Hindenburg has begun consultations with the party leaders in turn according to their strength in the Reichstag. The drift of the electorate towards Hitlerism is regarded as the fundamental reason for President Hindenburg’s abandoning of Dr Bruening, though the immediate cause was the Cabinet plan to assign part of the big private estates for settlement of the unemployed. It will not be easy for President Hindenburg to find a man to replace Dr Bruening. Herr Hitler hurriedly broke off a propaganda tour and returned to Berlin and had a conference with President Hindenburg. It is understood that Herr Hitler made the dissolution of the Reichstag and a general election a definite condition of the Nazis entering the Cabinet. There are indications, however, that President Hindenburg is unfavourable to a Nazi (Nationalist) Government until after the Lausanne Conference. FRENCH OPINION SENSATION CAUSED. Piris, May 30. Dr Bruening’s resignation has caused a sensation in France where it is anticipated that a Government of the Right Wing will be established. The Berlin correspondent of the Journal des Debats, comments: “The Prussian tradition triumphs. The National Party are masters of an overexcited Germany.” Dr Bruening’s resignation has caused consternation at Geneva on account of the probable effects on the Lausanne and Disarmament conferences.