Basic HTML Version
PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, April 17, 1981
Page 15
The opposition to the tougher U.S. stance is strong in the Netherlands
and growing in West Germany. The powerful Dutch Reformed Church--joined
by an assortment of leftists and environmentalists--is mounting a crusade
to bar the cruise missiles slated for the Netherlands in 1983 as well as
the removal of short�range nuclear weapons already there. Washington's
speculation about reviving the neutron bomb issue has resulted in an
emotional outburst in the Netherlands.
In West Germany, there is a definite schism developing in the country's
reaction to the new American posture. If a poll in the liberal news
weekly der Spiegel can be believed, sixty per cent of Germans interviewed
felt that "Bonn should keep its distance" from the "harder line" of the
United States against the Soviet Union. Thirty-eight per cent supported
the hard line.
The "soft" approach is favored by the younger generation, unfamiliar
personally with the harsh realities of war. Radical elements among the
young have led a recent upsurge in anti-American activities including
bombings of U.S. military installations.
The strengthened left wing of the Social Democratic Party is giving
Chancellor Schmidt a rough time. Some feel Schmidt is but an "American
lackey." The left-wingers speak of the "two superpowers" in the same
frame of reference, as if Germany's fate were not attached to one of
them. Many left-wing politicians cut their teeth on the anti-U.S.
rioting in Germany during the Vietnam era. They ascribe sinister motives
to the U.S., but give Moscow the benefit of every doubt. Even a Soviet
invasion of Poland would not likely phase them.
The left in Germany and elsewhere, however, composes by no means a
united front. And this, says a Dutch defense official, typifies Europe's
division as a whole. "Many politicians say Europe must speak with one
voice," says W. F. van Eckelen. "But if you ask what the voice should
say, there is no answer."
Europe still is waiting for the voice, or voices, to tell it where it
should go. Either the leaders step forth--or ·western Europe slides into
a neutralized bear hug.
--Gene H. Hogberg, News Bureau