Berlin hopes high

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33067, 7 November 1972, Page 19

Berlin hopes high

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright) WEST BERLIN, Nov. 6.

East and West German negotiators are expected to conclude a treaty today which would recognise the existence of two German States, and thus help East Germany out of 20 years of international isolation.

It will, once completed, also lay the basis for a number of improvements for the people in divided Germany, such as more freedom of movement, co-operation, and exchanges in the fields of culture, sport, and the economy.

The West German Secretary of State (Mr Egon Bahr), wbo is the main foreign political negotiator for the Chancellor (Mr Brandt) will again cross the Berlin Wall today to wind up the complicated discussions with East Germany’s representative, Dr Michael Kohl. Mr Bahr had been in Bonn over the week-end to report

to his Government and interparty bodies on the results he had achieved so far after four days of intense negotiations with Mr Kohl in East Berlin lacf wpplc Informed Western Allied sources in West Berlin say that the two have already reached virtual agreement on the treaty, about which the West German public will be told by Mr Brandt tomorrow. Yesterday, the Ambassadors of the four Great Powers victorious in the ■ Second World War — the United

States, Britain, France, and the Soviet Union—announced a successful conclusion to their negotiations: a declaration that will reaffirm their special rights and responsibilities for Germany as a whole. Allied sources in West Berlin say they consider the declaration satisfactory to all sides.

The Allies need the declaration to protect their rights, particularly as far as their free access to West Berlin across 110 miles of East German territory is concerned, in the event of the two German

States entering the United Nations.

West Germany also has a keen interest in the fourPower declaration, as a legal backbone for her view that Germany, despite its division, is still one nation which could be reunified.

Although the treaty can be ratified only by a new West German Parliament installed after the November 19 General Election, the prospect of such a treaty could help Mr Brandt’s election chances.