GERMANY: Useful Adolf

Results of the Reichstag election fortnight ago, in which the Hitlerites more than doubled their representation but still failed to gain control of the Government, were all that Defense Minister Kurt von Schleicher could have hoped for. His own devious plans to rebuild the German army and possibly restore the monarchy are maturing; there is as yet no serious obstruction in sight. Puffing comfortably on a large pale cigar, he admitted a group of correspondents to his office last week and delivered himself of a few random observations. As everyone knows, smiling General von Schleicher has a high opinion of Republican ex-Chancellor Brüning's character and ability. Privately he has no such regard for his present political ally, bristle-lipped Adolf Hitler. Subtly as the great Metternich whom he so much admires, General von Schleicher expressed these ideas last week:

"Germany's former error was a false optimism. . . . Dr. Brüning is an ascetic, he always told the people the truth, but after a while the masses always become unreceptive to asceticism, particularly when they are called upon to make sacrifices without understanding why. They will submit to the greatest privations, I think, if only one talks the language that touches the heart.

"What says Hitler? He says, 'I will lead you to Italy's flowery plains.' Such a movement must be made use of."

The General admitted that he felt very well.

"Some people are so afraid of responsibility they can't sleep," said he after a long suck on the fat cigar. "I'm not, and I don't suffer from sleeplessness."