Political Parties in Germany
The decision announced by Field-Marshal Montgomery to allow the reappearance of political parties in Germany in order " to foster the growth of a democratic spirit in Germany, and to prepare for the holding of free elections at a later date," must be judged in relation to present economic conditions in that country. The first tasks of repatriating millions of displaced workers have so absorbed the energies of the occupying Powers that German economic life has relapsed into almost complete stagnation. The Times cor- respondent in Berlin has written of " the universal chaos of Germany." The Allies are in a dilemma. To continue to assume absolute responsibility for extricating Germany from such conditions, when their own supply of skilled administrators is deficient, would court disaster and give the German people no experience in political responsibility and self-help. On the other hand, the parties likely to make most headway now are those of the Moderate and extreme Left, and to saddle them—after twelve years of suppression—with the burden too soon is only to pave the way for a future resurgence of the ultra-nationalist Right. The present stage is therefore a compromise, with German parties encouraged to restart and to resume some responsibility within the still somewhat narrow limits laid down by the requirements of Allied security and the extirpation of Nazism. The rules, programme, finances and membership of the party have to be approved by the Military Government, and they must make six-monthly reports of their activities. It is embryonic democracy under tutelage.
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