New Demonstrations Feared In Berlin

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29906, 21 August 1962, Page 13

New Demonstrations Feared In Berlin

(N Z.PA.-Reuter—Copyright) BERLIN, August 20. A Soviet Army bus, mobbed and stoned as it brought Russian guards into West Berlin, returned to East Berlin today after nearly 12 hours in the West.

The bus, carrying guards for the Soviet war memorial in the western sector, was stoned by Berliners demonstrating against the shooting of a young East German refugee. New demonstrations are expected today.

The bus, its windows smashed, stayed by the memorial till early today, when the crowds had dispersed, before it moved back to the eastern sector.

The young refugee was mortally wounded while trying tn escape to the West on Friday. He was left to lie in his own blood for an hour before he was moved.

West Beriin police heard several shots in East Berlin early today after a flare had been seen, but could give no details.

Early this morning, the crowd of demonstrators —at one time numbering 8000— began to disperse after marching several miles through city streets. Word has been passed round for a new demonstration this evening at ‘‘Checkpoint Charlie.” It was at this checkpoint, the only crossing for foreigners between East and West, that yesterday’s crowd began to collect. They mobbed the Soviet bus and smashed its windows with stones and empty bottles. Then they marched to the City Hall, collecting more demonstrators on the way.

At "Checkpoint Charlie,” where a few cars still circled,

sounding their horns, early today, a police spokesman said; “We will not use force against West Berliners demonstrating against East German police murders.” The West Berlin Mayor (Mr Willy Brandt) warned demonstrators last might not to attempt any action that “would be a favour to the Communists.” When Mr Brandt addressed the crowd at City Hall, he was interrupted repeatedly by the crowd yelling "Action, action," "The United Nations must act,” and "The cup is filled.”

Mr Brandt said: “Young Berliners, full of passion and responsibility, have gathered here at an unusual hour and in an unusual situation to demonstrate their deep emotion about the unbelievably base murder of the 18-year-old mason, Peter Fechter. “I cannot promise that immediate action is possible, but I can promise that within the limit of possibility everything will be done that can be done.”

The crowd dispersed after singing the National Anthem. United States military police patrols were jeered and stoned as they drove in utility vehicles down Kochstrasse to the checkpoint yesterday. About 250 youths advanced on the wall where it passes

close to the East German Government building, but a line of West Berlin police stood with their backs to the wall and their carbines at the ready. Police reserves were stoned as they arrived in the area and West Berlin firemen were caUed out to help the police maintain order.