West Germany: Waiting for the Call

Economics Minister Ludwig Erhard, that pudgy and popular fellow, has been itching to get his hands on the top job in West Germany, and can hardly wait for Chancellor Konrad Adenauer to retire as promised next fall. He has shyly nudged der Alte before, only to be rapped harshly on the knuckles. Last week Erhard puffed up his chest and tried again.

To a Munich newspaper, Ludwig declared his willingness to take over right now. "I would be ready to accept a call to the chancellorship if my party and the Bundestag so decided," he announced, clearly hoping that others felt...

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