GERMAN MINISTERS.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17985, 2 April 1930, Page 5

GERMAN MINISTERS.

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.

NEW FORM ADOPTED.

DICTATORSHIP HINTED AT,

United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. —Copyright. BERLIN, April 1. A remarkable change in the form of the oatii of allegiance to the German Republic was initiated when the new Cabinet was sworn-in yesterday in the presence of President Hindenburg at the Presidential Palace. The new oath is: “ I pledge myself to devote ail my power to the welfare of the German people, Constitution and law, and to fulfil my duties conscientiously and conduct my business impartially, with justice to every person.”

The former oath was: ‘T pledge my loyalty' to the Constitution, obedience to the laws and conscientious fulfilment of my official duties.” The change in the oath, especially Ihc reference to the welfare of the German people, is held to mean that the Cabinet can only count on a precarious majority in the Reichstag and will not hesitate to resort to dictatorial methods if necessary.

Herr Trcviranus, Minister for Occupied Territories, says the Cabinet is ready to collaborate with the Reichstag,' hut caxiot allow votes of noconfhlencc. Nor will it allow Parliamentary defeats lo interfere with the fulfilment of its duty. 'flic Minister also referred to the readiness of the Cabinet to resort to Article 48 of the Constitution, which permits the President to grant a member of Hie Cabinet dictatorial powers.’ it is manifest that the Government must be defeated in the Reichstag unless it obtains the support of some of Ihe 05 Nationalist members. Otherwise it will lie in a minority of J i with only 207 votes compared with the 218 Communists, Socialists, and Fascists in Urn Opposition.