GERMAN NATIONALISM

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1927, Page 4

GERMAN NATIONALISM

COMMENT BY “THE TIMES." RUGBY, May 16. In a leading article reviewing Hie European situation, ‘‘The Times” expresses the view that although real progress has been made in recent years towards the establishment of peace, there are frequent reminders that efforts to this end cannot be relaxed. As the latest reminder, “The Times” cites recent German Nationalist speeches, the Staldhelm (Steel Helmets) demonstration in Berlin, and Dr Sfrescmaun's (Foreign Minister) renewed struggle to compensate internal developments with a reasonable foreign policy. “The Times” says: “Even though the war spirit is dying down the reahsorption of Germany into the general life of Europe is being completed very slowly. There are inevitable reverses and delays, the causes of which certainly do not lie entirely outside Germany, as Herr Mergl and Count 'Western (Loaders of the Nationalist Party) continually declare. The lilies of reconciliation, in view of the tegular co-operation between Germany and the Western. Powers, have been laid down, and Dr Stresemann lias gained much for bis country by following tins policy, in spite of tbe stubborn opposition of bis own Nation alists.” “The Times” thinks that the movement along the lines of the Locarno policy is gradually bringing Germany back into favour, and an attitude of patience and tolerance has been established in Western countries, though the Nationalists have failed to realise that a corresponding attitude is required of Germany if progress is to be ensured. Of the reactionary tone of their sudden outburst of defiant .speech-making,

“The Times” says: “This is exactly calculated to recall to the minds of the Western nations the spectres that are being laid. Tt may be only a parsing phase in German polities, but at: any rate it has created unfavourable conditions for negotiations in Paris by the German Charge d’Affaires, with a view to the reduction of tbe forces of occupation in the Rhineland. In France the disposition is t> move very cautiously In this direction, but whatever readiness there may be to reduce garrisons is chilled liy the sudden outcry in Germany against the accepted method of

proved ure.” “The Times” believes that the only effect of flie Nationalist demonstrations will he a further delay in the general work of appeasement, and a set-back in that process of gradual reconciliation between France and Germany, of which many signs are visible.