MAN BEHIND THE SCENES IN GERMANY

Waipa Post, Volume 48, Issue 3468, 19 May 1934, Page 11

MAN BEHIND THE SCENES IN GERMANY

OTTO MEISSNER, THE “ KING-

MAKER.”

an unknown genius

BRAIN THAT COACHED TWO

PRESIDENTS.

(From a Special Correspondent.)

What is the secret of Adolf Hitler’s success as Chancellor of Germany ?

Those who had known him personally for years before his sudden accession to power all predicted that, when faced with new situations that neither his character nor his experience had fitted him to handle, Hitler would have to capitulate. Yet one situation after another has been disposed of with adroitness.

Among Hitler’s intimates, no man of the National Socialist Party appears qualified to supply what Hitler himself has admittedly lacked. Either one must accept the view—as the majority of the German people have done—that Hitler in office has proved himself a genius or that he derives help from some unknown source. That source is Dr Otto Meissner, officially known as “ The Secretary to the President.” Meissner is the one man in Germany who has been making history continuously since the German army collapsed in November, 1918. All that time his hand has been on the lever directing the destinies of the German nation.

Still he has contrived to remain almost entirely unknown, even in the Fatherland. Part of his success is due to his insuperable aversion to publicity of any kind. He is of no political party, and has been equally successful with Social Democrats, Monarchists, and National Socialists. Although lie-has been trained as an aristocrat, and bears in his personality all the characteristics of the typical Monarchist, Meissner was suddenly appointed in 1920 “Chief of the President’s Bureau,” the President in question being Herr Ebert, the Socialist-saddler-President. A CONSTITUTIONAL EXPERT. The contrast betwfeen the two men was almost ludicrous. But when President Hindenburg, the indomitable old Monarchist, Ebert’s antithesis in every way, was elected President in 1925, Meissner was told to carry on. And lastly, in 1933, when the Hitler regime made a clean sweep of nearly all the influential officials not belonging to its own party, Meissner was one of the few whose positions remained unaffected. jWhat accounts for Meissners’ immunity ? As a trained lawyer Meissner had made himiself an expert on all aspects of the Weimar Constitution.' h&d, in fact, written two books about it. Ebert —by profession a saddle!’ — was incapable of grasping the full legal significance of all its provisions. So Ebert became accustomed more and more to rely on Meissner to find out what his presidential powers exactly were.

As, a soldier and a Monarchist Meissner’s instinctive aim amid the political quicksands of the tune was to strengthen the authority of the President. Again and again Meissner showed Ebert how to use the unsuspected powers conferred by the Constitution to cope with the difficulties and deadlocks incessantly aris-

ing. This made Meissner indispensable. His claim on Ebert’s gratitude was all the stronger because he asked nothing for himself in return; in fact, made it a 1 condition that he should be left out of the limelight. Ebert knew that Meissner would never “ give the game away.” All Meissner wanted was to see the Fatherland rehabilitated. A DIFFICULT TASK. When Ebert died Field-Marshal von Hindenburg was suddenly invested with immense powers he was too old to learn to use, but with which he was expected to cope with abstruse situations that grew daily more cornplicated. Meissner’s preponderating influence is due to tujo thinjgs—h:.s juristic learning and skill as a lawyer, and his. praoticall knowledge of human nature.

He needed them both in the early years of collaboration with President Hindenbufrg. Every law passed in Germany needs the President’s signature. Many a time Meissner the jurist detected flaws that compelled i him to fight for revision. But, more w often, his most difficult task was to persuade the President to sign laws that were distasteful but which Meissner knew to be essential for the good of the Reich. All the time it was Meissner ruling—not HindenSurg. THE REAL (RULER. Had Meissner been anything more than “President’s Secretary” he ■ would have become a target for pub- <£ lie But nobody dared attack the aged Hindenburg, hero of lannenberg. So Meissner did everything in Hindenburg’s name, as he had before done in Ebert’s. Even more remarkable was his part in the triumph of the Nazis. After

the death of Dr Stresseman, Meissner saw clearly that the days of Social Democracy were numbered. The Republic had proved itself incapable of accomplishing what Meissner had in view. He saw National Socialism as a popular movement, gathering momentum.

Meissner impressed by the theoretical views that the leaders of the movement preached, but his South German origin and his own rigid self-discipline made him feel sympathy for many of its aspirations. As a preliminary he brought about a meeting between Hindenburg and Goering. OVERTHROW OF PRUNING.

,Dr Bruning’s downfall, which has never yet been fully accounted for, was due to a conflict with Meissner.

After the failure of von Papen and von Schleicher as Chancellors, Meissner called a conference with Hitler and von Papen at the Hotel Kalserhof in Berlin. It convinced him that the only way to deal with the National Socialist movement and stabilise conditions in Germany was to make Hitler Chancellor. A day or two afterwaards a secret meeting, attended by Meissner, Hitler, and Hugenberg, took place, %'t its close Hitler held out his hand to Hugenberg, saying: “ There is no way out except by the collaboration of all national forces.” It was a temporary compromise to usher in National Socialism to despotic power in Germany. All the rest is common knowledge. Hitler does not conceal his sense of indebtedness to Meissner. Meissner asks for no reward beyond that of seeing his plans mature. Speculation has been busy in initiated circles as to Meissner’s future. He is still only 54 years of age, and in full vigour. His immense value to the State is fully recognised by the men of the present regime. Hitler is his warm friend. Even Meissner’s independence of spirit inspires respect. Whatever his future, nobody doubts that he, as much as any other one man, will continue to hold the destiny of Germany in his hands.