HINDENBURG

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 381, 17 November 1932, Page 3

HINDENBURG

WILL HE FALL? GHOST OF A COUP D'ETAT CREEPING THROUGH GERMANY WHO SHALL RULE. Recently Hitler remarked, not very taetfully, that Hindenburg was already 85 years of age, and tbat he, Hitler, with his 43 years, could easily bide his time, writes Charles Melaun in the "Sydney Sun." Don't worry, he won't die yet- He may not. he immortal, hut his death is not to be expected within those next short periods which a politician of to-day has to take into aceount. Some time ago he was not well. Directly after he had dismissed Bruning. He was very depressed then, because his followers aecused him of not having kept faith. The doubt whether he had actly rightly gnawing on his conscience. Now he has regained his mental equilibrium. Being very fond of hunting and a fervent lover of nature, his stay in his castle Neudeck did him good beyond expectation. Whoever saw him in the Reichstag in August noticed at once that the iron constitution of this man is still capable of resisting politieal tempests. One may be sure that he will at least reaeh the age of his model, Wilhelm I. It is, however, doubtful whether he will he President for the whole second term. One need not consider Hindenburg's death, but must not forget the possibility of- his resignation. Although the old man's body is very robust, his conscience is very, very tender. He is really similar to Wilhelm I., but quite different from Frederick the Great, who only wrote his "anti-Machiavel" in order to procure a moral abibi for his purely Machiavellian policy- Hindenburg's ideas of honour and law are very strict.

True to His Oath. That this old Monarchist is not in love with the republican constitution if Weimar is only natural. But he has taken the oath upon it, and that is such a serious matter to him, as is the oath of fidelity of an orthodox husband given to his wife before the altar, even if he should not love her. Hindenburg will never give his consent to an open violation of the constitution. Perhaps he will not be able to prevent one, but he would certainly not shield it with his name. He would prefer to resign. Is there the probability, or even possibility, of an open violation of ' the republican constitution in Germany? Anybody who can answer this question with "No" is to he envied for his optimism. Till now Herr von Papen has always worked hard against the left wing of the Reichstag, but has shown a remarkable gentleness and patience towards Monarehistic and Imperialistic movements. Von Papen's Government was tolerant, and, therefore, tolerated. Is this supposed to go on after Hitler has decided to oppose him. The Optimists View. Von Papen still seems to be favouring an optimism more suitable to a simple citizen than to the Chancellor of Germany. He thinks that an appeal to the common sense of the various politieal parties could be suecessful- The question is whether his common sense is identical with that of the majority of Germans. Confidence, no confidence, Reichstag, no Reichstag, does not seem to concern him. Or does he think that the new Parliament of November will be kinder to him than was the old one in July? Germany would then be in a turmoil, or at least very near to it, and who would he Hindenburg's successor? Hitler, of course, says every foreigner in Germany. The figures of the last Parliament elections seem to favour this opinion, but it also depends on the other candidates. The majority of the Germans are not politically organised, and will not have a party-leader for President, whose office is considered as nonpolitical. Von Eckeners Chances. During the last few months, numerous people in Germany have mentioned the name of Captain von Eckener, the famous Zeppelin designer and pilot, when discUssing the possibilities of presidential elections. Nobody knows von Eclcener's politioal "credo." They only know that he is not bound to any party, and that he disliltes extreme politics. He is clever. This was the reason of his steering clear of the founding of a new middle party, which fell flat. His name is known to every German, and his popularity is not limited to his own country.

Whether Eckener would be inclined to accept a candidateship, and whether Hitler's opponents would unite under his name, are questions which only the future will answer. In any case, to mention his name seems to be the correct thing, as secretly it is whispered all through GermanyHindenburg's resignation could take the world by surprise like an earthquake in the night. The Ghost AbroacL The ghost of a coup de'etat is creeping through Germany. And yet, nobody wants to acknowledge that ghost. Has a usurper ever made his intentions known before hand? Advertised revolutions don't come off. A coup d'etat always originates somewhere from above. The only possibility for its success lies in the complete secrecy of all preparations. Louis Bonaparte would certainly not have been elected President of the second French Republic had he announced his intentions of hecoming Emperor Napoleon IIL hy a coup d'etat. Hindenburg's conscience assures ! Germany against his taking part in any violation of the constitution. But nothing assures the German people against a coup d'etat itself but the determined resistance of the masses. Many a politieal adventurer would like the power, be it legal or illegal. But none would be willing to pay for it with his life*