The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1932. THE GERMAN PRESIDENCY.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1932. THE GERMAN PRESIDENCY.

In the last appeal to the people or Germany on the eve of polling for the election of the President, the Chancellor, the head of the Government, declared that Marshal Hindenburg must win “if Germany was to live.” Herr Hitler was the chief opponent, and the voting shows that he polled substantially. The final returns, it would appear, indicate that the present President will not have an aosolute majority—and a second ballot becomes necessary. Marshal Hindenburg is expected to win, but alreacty there is the promise of only a narrow victory. The fact that the election was not won outright, suggests that matters internal in Germany are far from satisfactory. But yesterday, Hindenburg was the people’s hero. Now there is a section against him practically as strong as for him. The return of Hindenburg it would appear, is necessary if Germany is to live, but. if lie is not returned, Germany may not die. A new regime will come into office as lias happened in Ireland, and lias happened before in South i-tlirica and Australia. In both the. latter countries, the countries have not died, and though Ireland may have some difficult days ahead, there arc elements in the Free State which may save the country from serious disaster. Probably if Herr Hitler were to reign as President, Germany would more quickly reach a haven of certainty even though troubled waters had to he crossed betimes. Hitler as President would mean a more vigorous fight for relief from the overwhelming reparation paynfetns. Hindenburg will no doubt, Wally try to respect treaties, but Hitler would have a. mandate for greater freedom of action, and he might prove more of the J. T. Lang type as a leader. Probably ba-

cause of this, the Chancellor in liis pre-election address fears that Germany may die if Hinderburg is not returned. But if not now, then later, Hitler will be a. more prominent figure. Germany has stated the war debts cannot be paid. The country has its serious industrial troubles. Hindenburg has not the stroke of genius at command to meet these two difficulties. The best he can do is to temporarise, but it does not lead to relief. Sooner rather than later there will be the opening for the Hitler policy, and in that time will come the real test of European politics. The allies may clamour for payment, but if Germany . how are the debts to be collected? The answer is occupation and. force. That would be starting the war over again, and the nations will shirk that responsibility. .(Then wifi, enter compromises, and in the end the most of the" debt will have to be wiped out. It appears to be the general conclusion now that until that step is taken and war debts and reparations scaled down materially, there can be no hope of a return to prosperity in Europe l . If that he so, the outcome of the German Presidency promises to be a stepping stone to the ultimate end of the great world war.