Viewing page 47 of 201

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

[[start left-hand column]]
concession to the future - a "foundation for the creation of a bloc of anti-fascist democratic parties (of the Communist Party, the Social Democrats, center Party, etc.)."
The program of the Social Democrats, patterned almost exactly along the lines of the Communist program, advocates generally the destruction of nazism, reconstruction of economy with a right to "social insurance," sponsoring of Arts and Sciences and the democratic freedom. The Social Democrats have been less aggressive than members of the two other parties, and it remains to be seen how far their enthusiasm and ambitions extend. As Mr. Hartmann of the Communist Party indicated, the interests of the Communists and the Social Democrats appear to be more parallel than those of the Christian Democrats in that their respective statutes and programs reach out to the laborer and the farmer bloc especially. In light of the fact that the destruction of cities and heavy industries in U.S.-occupied Germany has thrown many skilled artisans and city-workers of one kind and another back to the land and to manual and semi-manual labor, it would appear that any appeal made to this class would logically point to a majority. However, the Stadtkreis of Wiesbaden has suffered relatively little damage in comparison with other large cities, and it is thought that perhaps the Democratic elements will, in this city, maintain a degree of strength and influence which they might fail to attain in other communities.
One sign which portends at least temporary harmony amongst all political groups in Wiesbaden is the existence of the "Aufbau-Ausschuss" the Advisory Council for Reconstruction, headed by a Mr. Helwig of the city Administration. This Council, composed of members of all parties, has done much in the way of advising and guiding. Their
[[end column]]

[[continued right-hand column]]
efforts and ideas have apparently kept the Oberbürgermeister well apprised on the general frame of mind of Wiesbadeners, and apparently men whose political ideas vary widely have managed to compromise in the settling of general problems having to do with food, work, shelter, and various administrative questions affecting the city's populace.

Irrevocable Statement Revoked for Military Government Officers

THE WAR Department has now indicated that Military Government officers desiring further service in this theater will not be required to sign a statement that they elect to remain on extended active duty until 30 June 1947 or for the duration of the emergency plus six months. Military Government officers may volunteer to continue on active duty by agreeing with their commanding officer to continue on active duty until a specific date or for the duration of the emergency and six months, whichever is earlier.

The volunteer statement to be signed will read as follows:
"Regardless of any eligibility which I now have or may have in the future for relief from active duty under readjustment regulations, I elect, unless sooner relieved, to continue on extended active duty until (date agreed upon) or for the duration of the emergency plus six months, if this occurs earlier."

In all instances the date entered on this certificate must be subsequent to the date the signee becomes eligible for relief from active duty.

Each Military Government officer will be given the opportunity to fill out this certificate in the near future and it will then be attached to his 66-1 card.
[[end column and page]]
16