Germany.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19463, 31 December 1934, Page 3

Germany.

This year was the first after Germany’s withdrawal, in October, 1933, from the League of Nations, following which action a plebiscite was adroitly arranged to secure Herr Adolf Hitler, the Chancellor, a 95 per cent mandate from the people. The spring ushered in a new unemployment polioy embodying road ’and aerodrome .construction and at the same time it was reported from various quarters that armaments were being steadily and secretly increased. The economic situation, however, 'despite reassuring reports from Berlin, grew perceptibly worse. Germany’s foreign trade shrank and was futher curtailed by rigid restrictions on imports. -Difficulties over short-term loans injured the nation’s credit and Dr. Schaoht, president o'f the Relchsban'k, made various overtures to British and other foreign creditors to placate 'them. The effect of restriction due to exchange difficulties was seen in the wool sales in London, Australia and New Zealand. Germany is now experimenting with substitutes for wool. Campaign Against Austria. Politically, Germany had an Interesting year. Throughout the spring a .•anpaign against Austria was proseculed from Munich and representations were made to Germany from the Powers to desist. The closing days of Juiie witnessed a brutal shedding of blood to preserve the authority of Hitler against a revolt from radical, selfish and undisciplined elements in {lie I.eft Wing of the Nazi Party. Within a few hours at least 60 persons were summarily murdered without trial, forced to commit suicide, killed in “resisting arrest" or lined up and shot after farcical trials. The vict’ms Included some of the highest Nazi officials.

The “'purge' 1 certainly had the effect of stabilising Hitler’s position but in order to make it stronger still plebiscite was held on August 19 in which the Herman people voted by an overwhelming majority in favour of Hitler combining in his own person the offices of President and Chancellor. This plebiscite was the upshot otf the death of President von Hindenbuvg,. Germany’s veteran statesman and soldier, on August 2. His demise wa3 the signal for nation-wide mourning. Religious Problems. Religious difficulties, although of secondary importance to the political changes, developed during the year, the efforts of Rcichblshop Mueller to “Nazify” the various denominations meeting with great opposition in many quarters. The subsequent conflict, which is still proceeding, was confined to various branches of the Protestant Church. At the time of writing the world awaits the verdict in the plebiscite which is to determine whether the rich Saar Valley is to be placed under the French or German flag. That verdict is awaited with no little trepidation for it is felt generally that the whole question is hedged about with material for serious complication. The presence of British troops in the territory has restored public confidence to a great extent.

During last summer the number of. employed in Germany continued to rise slowly, reaching 15,020,000 at the end of September. Germany's inability to export enough to pay for her needed imports of raw materials began lo cause factories lo shorten Iho hours of work during Hie autumn and threatened to increase unemployment still further tills winter.