Sport and Politics The Olympic Games in Germany, as an
article on a later page of this issue indicates, have a political as well as an athletic aspect. They have also, for that matter, a financial aspect, for Germany naturally counted on the games to bring a considerable amount of foreign currency into the country, but as it turns out the foreign attendance is not what was hoped for. In the matter of making capital for Germany and National Socialism out of the Games the German authorities may have gone beyond what is customary, but not so far as to incur any serious criticism. Their courtesy and efficiency have been matter for general comment. Desire, moreover, to impress the world favourably during the Games is reflected politically in some relaxation of anti-Semite activity, though the conflict between the Government and the more uncom- promising and courageous of the Confessional pastors continues unabated. The decision to hold the next Games in Tokyo is producing much the same kind of effect in Japan, where the prospect of thus becoming a centre of world interest four years hence is already stimulating a desire to stand well with the world in advance. So vain- able a function can sport perform. In view of prevalent race and colour prejudices the immense popularity of the American negro runner Jesse Owens is significant and encouraging. • * *
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