LIVE THREAT TO PEACE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27391, 17 May 1950, Page 7

LIVE THREAT TO PEACE

East German Police Fsree \ * ; REVELATIONS AT TRIAL IN BERLIN NZPA—Copyright BERLIN, May 15. “ This trial 'has led to revelations of an astounding nature, which may lead to world-wide repercussions.” This was said by Judge John Sabo, of the United States High Commission, when today he sentenced six EastGerman policemen, aged between 18 and 21, to two years’ imprisonment. The charges were, violating occupation laws by belonging to an illegal semi-military’ organisation, carrying former German army arms, and transporting military equipment. The policemen were arrested on •April 13, when they inadvertently entered the American sector of Berlin on a lorry. Evidence was given that they possessed three light ma-chine-guns and some German army revolvers.

The East German police force, said Judge Sabo, was “ a very live threat to the peace of the world.

“The accused are victims of a welldisguised and cunning plan for the revival of the same type of blind militaristic fanaticism that was rampant in the Hitler era, with hate as its credo.

“ They are members of a large organisation trained on military lines and armed with artillery and tanks..” The defence attorney, a leading Communist lawyer, Fritz Kaul. in a plea for mitigation,, said that punishment of the accused would mean that Berlin and Germany would) be still further split. American officials indicated that following the conviction the American authorities' would consider filing an official protest with the Soviet Government against the alleged formation 6f an East Germany army.