Koniev Replaced As Berlin Commander

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29803, 21 April 1962, Page 11

Koniev Replaced As Berlin Commander

(N.Z. Press Association— Copyright)

MOSCOW, April 19

The Soviet Union today recalled Marshal Ivan Koniev, aged 64, from the command of Soviet Armed Forces in Germany.

The move was seen by observers in Moscow as a possible Soviet effort to lessen the tension over Berlin, the British United Press reported

Marshal Koniev’s successor is Colonel-General Ivan Yakubovsky—-whom Marshal Koniev replaced in August last year

The appointment of Marshal Koniev. Commander of Warsaw Pact Forces until July. 1960. heralded a period of extreme tension in Berlin caused by the border closure The Associated Press said that since Marshal Koniev’s arrival had presaged trouble for Berlin, his departure might hold promise of a more settled period

A brief Soviet announcement said Marsha] Koniev had returned to Moscow to take up duties in the Ministry of Defence. Diplomats Surprised The removal of i Marshal Koniev is regarded as a most Significant evenrby Western officials in Berlin, the Associated Pre=s reported 1 Word cf Marsha! Koniev’s departure completely surprised Western officials One diplomat called it “a very significant event” because it appeared to be the clearest indication to date that the Soviet side was “taking tne heat” off Berlin General Yakubovsky was elected a member of the Com-

munist Party Central Committee at the party's twentysecond congress. Marshal Koniev, a Soviet wartime commander, was Commander in Chief of the Warsaw Pact from 1955 until 1960, when he resigned for health reasons In 1946 he was appointed Commander in Chief of Soviet ground forces