SOVIET PLANNING GOVERNMENT FOR EASTERN GERMANY

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 November 1948, Page 5

SOVIET PLANNING GOVERNMENT FOR EASTERN GERMANY

BERLIN, Nov. 27 (Rec. 6 p.m.) Marshal Sokolovsky, Soviet Military Governor, today issued an order reorganising the German Economic Commission (the organisation controlling the Soviet zone's economy), and increasing its membership from 36 to 101, saying the purpose was “to improve the commission’s contact with the population of the Soviet zone.” Political observers regard the move as a step towards the creation of a separate Government for eastern Germany. Observers consider the new commission will form a ready-made "democratic Assembly” if, or when, the Russians think the time is ripe lor a separate East German Government. The Russians are not expected to move until the proclamation of a West German Government, details of which are being worked out at present at Bonn. Circles close to the Soviet Military Administration reported that Marshal Sokolovsky and high Russian officials have approved a plan lor a separate city Assembly and city administration in the Soviet sector of Berlin. It is reported that they also have agreed to give notice to the present city officials to quit the city hall in the Soviet sector. The British licensed newsagency, "D.P.0.”, reporting the Russian decision. said the Russian sector would not be completely cut off from western Berlin until the Russian authorities completed issuing new identitycards.