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FINDINGS ANI) CONCLtBIONS
First of all, it should be noted that, wherever the delegation appeared
among the workers and their leaders, profound satisfaction and gratitude
was expressed at another country having reestablished contact.    Until then,
one had had the feeling of having been left to his fate, although here
and there one knew about the visit of a foreign delegation. However, this
tour had a greatly encouraging and enlightening effect. The delegation
expresses its deep gratitude to those whose initiative had made it possible.
The members of the delegation have not hesitated from often voicing
sharp truths, from critikdting errors committed in the past, and from
warning against their repetition in the present or in the future. The
delegation was highly gratified that no jarring note was ever heard, al-
though no gathering went without a discussion, and differences of opinion,
particularly concerning the Marshall Plan, were expressed. The exchange
of views was conducted in a most friendly manner, and even those who could
not share the views of the speakers expressed their appreciation of the
initiative which had been shown. Deep satisfaction was evident everywhere
regarding the elimination of the division into various trade union centers
which had existed before 1933, and everyone with whom we spoke also hoped
that the present zonal separation would also soon be a thing of the past.
With regard to this matter, the delegation pointed out that:
1. Approximately two months ago, a group of German trade union
officials conferred for one week with Dutch Protestant colleagues for
the purpose of founding Protestant trade union movement in Germany.
2. If the trade union movement is to remain united, it is necessary
above all for mutual relations to be conducted in a spirit of tolerance
and for ideological views to be respected mutually.
The complaint was repeatedly voiced that foreign countries,
particularly the United States, had not done enough to improve the food
situation in Germany. In all these instances, the delegation pointed out
that the German people are always inclined to pass the blame for every-
thing onto other countries, and that it is in the interest of a sound
development to consider the beam that is in ones own eye before beholding
the mote in the eye of other peoples. With reference to the food
situation, it is recommended that internal German measures be taken to
compel the farmers to show more solidarity with the urban population.
In conclusion, the delegation believes that it succeeded in
impressing upon the thousands whom it reached that:
1. In foreign countries and particularly in the international trade
union movement, there is a readiness to promote the admission of Germany
into the world community of nations provided that the German people offer
genuine evidence of their desire to build a democratic Germany.
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