WINTER PROSPECT FOR BERLIN

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25609, 25 September 1948, Page 7

WINTER PROSPECT FOR BERLIN

“No Illusions About Hardships” LIMITATIONS OF AIR LIFT (Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 7 p.m.) LONDON, September 23. Reviewing the prospects of’ a continuation oi the air lilt during the winter, the special Berlin correspondent of the “Daily Mail” says that the general attitude of Berliners can be summed up as: “If the British and Americans can continue the air lift, we can take it.” “No one in the Western sectors of Berlin is under any illusions about the hardships ahead,' says the correspondent. “Berliners realise that though the air lift can probably provide just sufficient food to sustain them it will not be a diet to which they can look forward. They also realise that the Allies can light Berlin tor a tew hours each day and heat it on a skeleton basis—but so skeleton that it will be oTily just bearable.

“Berliners also know that while these conditions exist in the Western sectors the Soviet authorities across the boundaries will be offering fresh food to anyone who Is prepared to go there to get it. “The Wester zone authorities are doing their best to organise matters. Arrangements have already been made for a system of soup kitchens and heated halls to which people can go when the cold in their own homes becomes unendurable. Firms Close Down “Although the air lift may enable Berliners to tide over the winter,” says the correspondent, “it cannot keep trade and industry ' going. Between 5000 and 6000 firms have already closed down and tens of thousands of people are already unemployed. As many as possible of these unemployed will be given work in clearing the ruins, but even this may not be possible under conditions of extreme cold.

“At present the average democratic Berliner is in a state of almost emotional loyalty towards the British and Americans. The great anti-Commun-ist rally outside the Reichstag a fortnight ago was an extraordinary thing —250,000 people coming voluntarily together on a wave of passionate devotion to the ideals of liberty and democracy. “The city feels that it is, playing a lonely,, dramatic role and it is desperately determined to behave well with the whole world watching. But the average Berliner is rather a frightened little man with a nasty winter ahead. We are going to have to struggle hard to keep the Berliner’s soul this winter.’’