The eyes of all the world are upon Geneva and the Foreign Minister talks now going on there. The series of meetings, started last month are intended to bring the Big Four to a reasonable conclusion on the subject of Germany and especially Berlin. The West, as was expected, brought forth a package proposal on the reunification of Germany. It is felt by them that the only solution to the German problem lies in an eventual re-united Germany which some day can completely sever her dependence on the Big Four powers. The plan was contained in a 20 page “Phased Plan” formally presented to the meeting after a procedure had finally been agreed upon. There were four main points contained in the proposal :
- The formation of a German Electoral Committee, nominated from East and West Germany governments. This Committee, later to be replaced with an all-German popular vote.
- The gradual disarmament in Europe. Both United States and U.S.S.R. would be allowed an occupation force of 2,500,000.
- A four-power “Control Commission” designed to operate a system of inspection from both sides the Iron Curtain.
- After re-unification has been achieved (possibly in three years), Berlin will become the capital of all Germany. She is also assured of peace treaties with the big powers.
As was also expected, the package proposal was firmly rejected by Russia in a one-half hour speech by Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko. He replied by stating that separate peace treaties with East and West Germany are urgently needed. U. S. Secretary of State C. Herter and British Foreign Secretary Selwin Lloyd insisted that the granting of separate peace treaties would impose on Germany a condition which would saddle the people with certain discriminatory servitude. Russia’s insistence on separate treaties would force the West into formal recognition of the Communist East Germany government.
The meetings got off to a gloomy start to begin with when Nikita Khrushchev boastfully told West Germany visitors to Moscow, that eight H-bombs strategically placed could wipe their country off the map. He also conceded that Russia would probably suffer somewhat were she to engage in a nuclear war with the West, but they in turn would be annihilated.
Russia refused to discuss the reunification of Germany, insisting stated that as far as Britain and on separate peace treaties. Herter the U.S. were concerned a final settlement with Germany “must await the establishment of a government which can act for, and bind Germany as a whole”. He also warned that a “summit meet-is only possible providing Moscow is ready for serious negotiations.” Should the Soviets set another date for their withdrawal from East Germany, President Eisenhower would not even consider a meeting of the heads of state. Definite progress must be achieved in Geneva preceding any plan of a summit meeting.
As the Tidings goes to press this month, the situation at Geneva looks deadlocked. Though there is hope that perhaps part of the package deal offered by the West will be discussed, the prospects of attaining a definite settling of the Berlin crisis is remote. The situation is reminiscent of the Geneva talks of 1955, when practically nothing was achieved. The prophet speaking of the joining of the nations against the Lord when Christ sets up his rule, uses language that very suitably describes man’s puny efforts today to solve his problems; “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?” The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, “Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision.” (Psalm 2 1-4)
The “vain thing” of which David speaks is the counsel of the ungodly against the Lord’s anointed, when he shall sit on the restored throne of David. Just as vain are man’s efforts to establish a system of peace that would be acceptable to all nations. For it is to be in the midst of world conflict and chaos that Jesus is to set foot on this earth again. Because of the inherent wickedness of mankind, and over-bearing spirit that now works in the children of disobedience, their counsel and efforts to agree on a plan that will bring peace to the earth are futile. Though the attempts of some to reach an amiable agreement on world issues is indeed honest and sincere, men, in the main are guided by fleshly desires, and their unquenchable thirst for personal gain prohibits any measure of success.
The voice of the prophets all agree that Christ will make his appearance during a time of desperate trouble. His presence is to shorten the days of this period. that there might be some who perish not. The prophet Joel informs us that the “sickle” of the Lord is to be wielded when the nations have gathered together to battle. It is to be in the midst of the multitudes battling in the valley of decision that the mighty ones of God are to come down. (Joel 3 :9- 15). Zechariah likewise indicates that it will be during a great turmoil, in which Jerusalem is to be taken, that the Lord shall go forth and fight against those nations as when he fought in the day of battle. (Zech. 14:1-3). John, also foretells the great gathering of nations when the kings of the earth are engaged in battle. They are to be gathered into a place called in the Hebrew tongue, Armageddon, where they will suffer the retribution of God Almighty. (Rev. 16:14-16). If these events are to characterize the days before the coming of the Son of man, and if the Spirit of God indicates with unerring accuracy the belligerency of the nations, any effort on the part of man to bring things to a different conclusion must be doomed to failure. In effect, they oppose God. Being in complete ignorance of His plans for the earth, and going about, as it were, to establish their own righteousness among the nations, they must inevitably be considered as enemies of the Truth, and hence of His Anointed.
The best that can be expected at Geneva is a temporary easing of tension. It appears unlikely that Russia will intensify the Berlin crisis as long as talks are going on. The West’s determination to extend a peace treaty only to a unified Germany, may force the Soviet Union into another back down on their threat of signing a separate agreement with East Germany. The turning over of the reins to the East German government at the present time would face Russia with problems with which she doesn’t yet appear able to cope.
In the midst of this turbulence when the natural man can see no answer to his dilemma, the people of God go about their daily tasks, filled with a peace of mind that only a complete trust in God can afford them. They possess full confidence in His abiding hand, and patiently await the unfolding of His purpose.
“They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth even for ever.” (Psalm 125 :1-2)
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One