Mr. Morrison at Bonn
Mr. Morrison's visit to the German Chancellor was extremely opportune, and so—perhaps even more so—was his invitation to Dr. Adenauer to visit London. So, perhaps most of all, was his conversation with the Social Democratic leader, Dr. Schumacher. Nothing is more essential for the sound working of Parliamentary democracy as understood in Great Britain than a constant sense of responsibility on the part of the Parliamentary Opposition. That Oppositions are not impeccable in this respect does not impair the validity of the rule. In West Germany there is special need for its application and Mr. Morrison, stveaking as Socialist to Socialist, is specially qualified to impress that on the Opposi- tion leader in the Bundestag,. In regard to his conversations with Dr. Adenauer, the personal contact was probably as impor- tant as the actual content of the talks, for if it is true, as Mr. Morrison observed to the Press, that no man can discharge the duties of a Foreign Minister adequately by sitting ceaselessly at his desk, it is equally true that his journeyings benefit those whom he visits no less than himself. It will be quite as true of Dr. Adenauer when he is welcomed to London. British policy.' and equally French policy, is to promote the progressive restora- tion of Germany to an equal place among the Great Powers of Europe. Such a policy no doubt entails some risks, but any other policy entails more risks. Delicate questions such as the Occupation costs and the conclusion of a treaty with Germany have to be settled, and while on this side any step that might stimulate nationalism in Germany—as represented by General Remer's Reich Party—into activity must so far as possible be avoided there can be no question of allowing the threat of such a consequence to impede necessary action. Any danger of that will certainly have been reduced by Mr. Morrison's visit.
