Brandt and the Bogeyman

When, three years ago, Germany came under the rule of the “Great Coalition” of Christian Democrats and Socialists, with Kurt Kiesinger as Chancellor and Willy Brandt as Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister, there was rejoicing. At last the Germans had achieved the fulfillment of their ancient longing for Einig-keit—unity for unity’s sake: The Kiesinger government had the support of almost nine-tenths of the Bundestag; the opposition was confined to the anemic moaning of the tiny Free Democratic Party, a strange concoction of “get- rich” entrepreneurs and leftist ideologues.

Now Kiesinger is packing his bags and the “Little Coalition” of Socialists and Free Democrats is about to become, for the first time in Bonn’s history, a reality. How long it can endure is doubtful. In the recent campaign, the electioneering of both the SDP and the FDP centered on such a “Little Coalition.” The political engagement was celebrated in Moscow: Last August, both parties (but not the Christian Democrats) received and accepted an invitation to discuss German matters with the Soviets. It was a significant and utterly characteristic happening, for the only thing the two have in common is their mutual longing for an “arrangement” with first the Soviets, and then with East Germany’s Walter Ulbricht. Consequently, a “Little Coalition,” as it could not possibly reach an understanding in any other realm of politics, would of necessity concentrate on a fast “arrangement” with Moscow. The Soviets immediately saw their chance.

WS

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William S. Schlamm

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When, three years ago, Germany came under the rule of the “Great Coalition” of Christian Democrats and Socialists, with Kurt Kiesinger as Chancellor and Willy Brandt as Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister, there was rejoicing. At last the Germans had achieved the fulfillment of their ancient longing for Einig-keit—unity for unity’s sake: The Kiesinger government had the support of almost nine-tenths of the Bundestag; the opposition was confined to the anemic moaning of the tiny Free Democratic Party, a strange concoction of “get- rich” entrepreneurs and leftist ideologues.

Now Kiesinger is packing his bags and the “Little Coalition” of Socialists and Free Democrats is about to become, for the first time in Bonn’s history, a reality. How long it can endure is doubtful. In the recent campaign, the electioneering of both the SDP and the FDP centered on such a “Little Coalition.” The political engagement was celebrated in Moscow: Last August, both parties (but not the Christian Democrats) received and accepted an invitation to discuss German matters with the Soviets. It was a significant and utterly characteristic happening, for the only thing the two have in common is their mutual longing for an “arrangement” with first the Soviets, and then with East Germany’s Walter Ulbricht. Consequently, a “Little Coalition,” as it could not possibly reach an understanding in any other realm of politics, would of necessity concentrate on a fast “arrangement” with Moscow. The Soviets immediately saw their chance.