The Problem of Germany [1951]

This paper was twice published in Australia, first, as "The Risk of Arming the Germans Must Be Run", The Age, Melbourne, 1 Sept. The political and military disposition of Germany had been contested in the manner outlined by Russell ever since the onset of the four-power occupation after the Second World War. It is hardly to be supposed that the Germans will feel any very passionate love for those who defeated them in the war, whether Eastern or Western. It is even possible that Russia might feel herself driven to allow the reunion of Germany under a democratic regime, without first suffering defeat in war. If the Russians yield, it will be a resounding diplomatic victory; if they resist, all Germany will be hostile to them, and they will have a bad case in opinion of the world. It must be obvious, even to most passionate German nationalist, that world power is now only possible for America or Russia.