GERMAN POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1932, Page 3

GERMAN POLITICS

THE ACTUAL HEAD. .In Germany, and abroad, interest in the von Papen Cabinet centres not in the Chancellor,. but in-- General vou Schleicher, Mini,ster :of Defence. It is generally assumed that he .is the power behind what has been sarcastically tailed by British and French' • newspapers, Germany’s. Junker Cabinet, and that it was on his .recommendation that Captain von Papen found himself at the head of the German Government. Until a year ago, comments a Christchurch paper, General von Schleicher was unknown outside of mi itary cire’es, and his emergence into the. political arena has .led to much speculation

as to the goal he has set himself to reach. Some regard him as a true son of the Fatherland who is going to iestore the Monarchy, while others see in him the military dictator who is deter, mined that Germany shall not fall into tjie hands of the Nazi -movement wi i’e in its present ignorant and turbulent stage, and while lacking politically experienced leadership.

Others again,, regard him as ti e si g'e outstanding man in Germany to-day who represents the worst aspects ot the pre-war regime. Neither friend not enemy doubts the hfstrry-making caprcity this man “who emerges into the light only to shrink back into the shadow as lie prepares his triump's.” Personally, General von Schleicher, is said to be the antithesis of the typical Prussian officer, for he is seldom seen in public without a smile, and is possessed of a manner that has been described by a prominent critic, as. charm-

In fact it is these qualities/ backed by implacaWe v'dete^miiiation ) which have enabled him to gain his ends without incurring /thti-'ienmity of those opposed to him,. JTe is said to be a born psychologist,:* who understands the individual and the masses so thoroughly that his capacity for making contacts .amounts 'to genius,’ It ■would 1 herefore be unwise to be misled into thinking' that, he is merely a military "tan taking part in politics which he does not understand,' for those who have studied him most closely see in him a politician who happens to be -a professional soldier.' '

During the war. recognition of his peculiar qualities led to his employment not on the battlefield, hut on the headquarters staff where he showed himself as a skilful negotiator .between the antagonistic civil and military

Authorities. ■ Tt is now generally recognised that in the recent political crisis in Germany, it would have easily been possible for General von Schleicher to have become Chancellor, but he'preWed to retain personal control of the army as War Minister, and it is that choice which provides questions that can be answered only in the light of future developments. In certain quarters it is interpreted as a desire for a country built round an army that is to he the standard of behaviour, the model of discipline and the State ideal, a desire for' a people that will fight for lest territories, abandon ideas of democracy, and agree to Ihe return of privilege and class. Such an end is not wholly impossible/ for shrewd observers in Germany are convinced that democracy, is, not the political form that will satisfy the German people. * Order t'> them is of greater importance than freedom, and democracy so far ha.« not produced it. General von Schleicher with his deep knowledge of, .the mind of his countrymen, may have estimated their disgust with the political chaos, and the yearning of the majority of the people to have done with dis n rde’\ to know their place, to feel secure, and to have the society in which they live, work like a smooth-,running machine. To him the moment may appear opportune for laying the foundations of a new order.