GERMAN CONFIDENCE

Grey River Argus, 24 November 1948, Page 3

GERMAN CONFIDENCE

(By Jack Smyth, Reuter’s Corres.) BERLIN (By Airmail). Three Germans in five ‘in the Amei'ican Occupation Zone to-day aie confident in the future of Western Germany following the currency reform introduced in June, according to a public opinion survey just concluded. The survey incjicates overwhelming approval for the currency reform instituted by the three Western Powers although 57 per cent, of those who expressed satisfaction with it, indicated that they thought that it should have taken place long before June 20. Conducted over a period of months to measure public reaction to the monetary reform, the survey showed that 90 per cent, of residents in the Southern area and 96 per cent of residents in the Bremen area recognised its necessity. . The expressed intention of seven persons in every ten to buy more clothing, shoes, household utensils and furniture than they had bought in the six months preceding currency reform is regarded by the authorities here as an indication of German confidence in the immediate economic future. ' , , x, * cc The survey showed that 55 per cent, of residents in the Southern States and 77 per cent, of Germans in the Bremen area contemplated no reduction in purchases of any sore within a six-month period.. In spite of the German feeling of optimism, however, 38 per cent, of Germans in the zone and 23 per cent, of those in the Bremen area stated that they mtendedi to cut down purchases of certain items, such as colfee, spices, beer, expensive, foods and ersatz products. „ This, according to Military Government analysts, indicates an intention to buy more discriminately with the new “hard” currency than with the old and more plentiful reichsmark. The survey further showed that a large majority of Germans believe that the currency reform has appreciably reduced the black market. Together with general questions regarding the existence of a black market, interviewers asked: “In your opinion, has the black market been overcome by currency reform, has it been somewhat limited, or is it continuing unchecked ? The percentage of opinions was: Overcome, 14; limited, 71; continuing as before, 9; no opinion, 6. More evidence of the effect of currency reform on the black market was found, in opinions concerning the existence of local illegal trading, the survey explained. Only one-half of those interviewed after the currency change stated that such trading existed, while three persons in four believed in it before the advent of reform. , . . The majority of those replying affirmatively to the question: “Do you believe there is a black market. in this country” ? expressed the opinion that it did not exist to any considpVriHlp pxfpnt One of the most significant aspects of the survey concerned German opinion on the food situation in the first month after the change in the currency. One half of those interviewed in the Southern States declared that food supplies had improved; 43 per cent, and claimed that there was no change; and six percent. reported an adverse food condition. , _ In Bremen, the figures were: “Better” 78 per cent.; “the same , 21 per cent.;- and “worse,” one per cent. Parallel- evidence of the (improved food situation was provided, by answers to the question: “What are vour chief cares and worries at present ?” The proportion of Germans who mentioned food dropped from 50 per cent, before the currency reform to 13 per cent, after the Western deutschmark was introduced.