West Germans Call John A “Traitor”

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27427, 13 August 1954, Page 11

West Germans Call John A “Traitor”

BONN, August 11. The West German Government today called Dr. Otto' John a “traitor.” in a statement commenting on his press conference in East Berlin.

The statement said: “The latest statements by Dr. John confirm that sinca he disappeared from the Federal Republic he serves Communist propaganda. and acts as a traitor to the Federal Republic. The whole background of his case will be laid open shortly when the Federal Prosecutor has completed *his investigations.” This is the first time the West German Government has used the term “traitor” to describe Dr. John. Previously it had publicly taken the view that he had been lured into East Berlin and was held there “against his will and with no treacherous intention.” West German Government quarters described Dr. John’s statements al “Soviet propaganda.” They said the remarks were aimed at France to prevent ratification of the European Defence Community Treaty and echoed Soviet desires to split Britain and France away from the United States. The Christian Democratic Party, headed by Dr. Adenauer, stated that the press conference had shown that Dr. John had become a “publicity figure in the Communist regime.” His remarks were neither convincing nor sensational, and bore “the stamp of Moscow’s policy.” •