ued from page 205.) ready to see Herr Hitler i the Government provided it were non-party Government, 'This view was reinforced " in' an interview between the President ahd the Nazi leader. The latter's demand for leadership of the Government and complete State authority, was rejected. The relations between the Nazis and the Government were further embittered over the death sen: tences passed on five Nazis for murdering a Communist Silesia. This tension was removed by commutation of the sentences to imprisonment for life, The unyielding attitude of Herr Hitler and his failure to grasp the opportunities given him Jost him some ground. Yet when the "Short Parliament" had held its last sitting on September 12 and elections were again held, Herr Hitler's political ascendancy in terms of seats remained practically unassall The pressure on him from within his party to modify his policy to enable the German electorate to obtain the Government its votes constitutionally indicat. ed became more marked. It threatened to split the party.
General von Schleicher's Chan-céllorship which, no less than that of his predecessor lacked parliamentary support was rendered precarious early last month when it was perceived that some kind of a working agreement was coming into force between the Nazis and Herr von Papen. Herr von Papen, whose political stature hag greatly increased during his brief tenure of office, was believed to have exchanged cordial, if guarded, expressions of _soodwill with Herr Hitler at Cologne. Moreover the growing uncertainty among German industrialists over the labour policy of Chancellor von Schleicher tended to erystallise the favourable opinions held by the capitalist, nationalist and—industrialist groups in regard to Herr von Papen, whose incipient entente with Herr Hitler thus became a political portent. The situation developed apace when Herr Hugenberg, the Nationalist leader and newspaper proprietor, displayed a recovery of his confidence in an alliance with the Nazis. An even more significant factor was the evident abandonment by Herr Hitler of his former rigidity. The influence of his chief representative in the Reichstag, Herr Gregor Strasser, who was coming to be regarded by the moderate section of the Nazis as a possible alternative to their leader, was believed to be asserted on the side of constitutionalism. Last week dications that the President as more favourably inclined to Heir Hitler, provided certain assurances were forthcoming, quickened up expectations of a speedy' solution of the deadlock by the acceptance of Herr Hitler jas Chancellor in the room of General von Schleicher, whose resignation had been practically forced by the new entente. The prestige enjoyed by Herr von Papen was useless without Nazi support, as last year's experiences. showed. This clearly has now brought about the piquant reversal of events in August. Thus Herr Hitler, as Chancellor, will have Herr von Papen as Vice-Chancellor and Commit sioner of Prussia, The Reichs. tasse will be dissolved and new elections which are expected to endow the Nazi leader with a parliamentary ascendancy will take place. The administration ought.to be strong if it secures, the Reichstag, the necessary rity, the absence of which 's0 srreatly handicapped the short-lived administrations of the few months.
Herr Hitler deserves a tribute of respect in this moment of triumph, He has shown the strength of mind to discard preconceived notions when con fronted by clear proof of their impracticability. Conciliation. has informed his attitude towards parties whose views in some respects accord with his own, He has recognisea the value of heeding the experience and patriotic motives of the Yeteran President. On general grounds the recovery by the German Government of parliamentary support, assuming that the impending elections produce such a result, is to be welcomed. No service is done by blinking the fact, however, that the virtual disappearance of _all traces of the Bruning policy may create certain difficulties in Germany's foreign relationships. Nevertheless the presence in the Cabinet of Baron von Neurath reassuring. sign. He has already made a favourable impression in his handling of Eutopean affairs and Herr von Papen's reputation in France is specially good. The Cabinet is well-knit and possessed of ability which should greatly help. Herr Hitler by supplying his driving force with the experience so far Jacking in him. The key po ions for handling internal affairs to. be filled by prominent Nazi politicians. That will ensure coherence in policy but it also points to the dangers of the general situation. General von Schleicher's leanings toward Labour. were dictated by perception of the need for stemming the tide of the Communist advance. That tendency hi admittedly hastened the Hitler-von Papen entente. Labour is described as hostile to the prospective regime. Unless the elections give the Centre Party, whose recovery has been apparent of late, definite power of moderating Nazi aims, the chances of creating a formidable alliance between Labour and the Communists will be immeasurably increased. Merr Hitler may
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