THREAT TO BERLIN

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28980, 22 August 1959, Page 13

THREAT TO BERLIN

Plot By East Reported

BERLIN, August 20

A West Berlin newspaper claimed today, that a group of East German Communists planned to take over West Berlin last December, but were stooped by the Soviet authorities The newspaper, the masscirculation “8.Z.,” said the plan called for East German factory guards, a para-military organisation. to enter West Berlin. There they were to pose as groups of dissatisfied West Berliners, occupy public buildings, and force the City Government to resign.

Clashes between West Berlin and the rioters were then expected, and East German police were to take a hand to bring about a critical situation.

The Soviet authorities were to be taken by surprise, and the Western Powers presented with a fait accompli. “8.Z.” said the plan was drafted by the former Socialist Unity (Communist) Party secretary for West Berlin (Mr Bruno Baum), who found support among several party leaders. But the Soviet authorities heard about the plan, and brought about a “thunderstorm” in the party leadership. Mr Baum was arrested, and later confined to his home. He is expected to be given a strong reprimand and reduced to a minor post* The Berlin party leadership in both the Eastern and Western sectors was fully reorganised.