Note 69 — Chapter VI · THE ECONOMIC CONSTITUTION AND SOCIALIZATION

Wissel, then Minister of Public Economy, on March 7, 1919, before the National Assembly thus defined collective economy properly so-called: “Collective economy means the organization and management of private economic enterprises in the interests of the Reich, the subordination of private interests to collective interests. The application of this general principle to particular cases must be adapted to the special conditions of the different branches of the economy. Nothing can be worse than to want to make the economy rigidly uniform. Every economic group is a different organism that demands forms appropriate to it. This seems to be indicated in the exterior forms of union, such as capitalist economy practiced in its associations and cartels. But the spirit that prevails in these organizations must be raised above purely private considerations up to a sense of responsibility toward the people as a whole, up to the conception of a collective economy. Collective economy does not mean state economy, but autonomy. The State is not the master of economy. It can and should exercise supreme supervision and hold in equilibrium the opposing interests with justice and wisdom.”