BERLIN CONTROL

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22659, 12 July 1945, Page 5

BERLIN CONTROL

BEGINNING TOMORROW BRITISH AND AMERICANS COMPLETE AGREEMENT (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, July 11 British and American military government will operate in Berlin from 9 a.m. tomorrow. This decision was reached at the first meeting of the Kommandature, the Allied Council of Control, held today. The British occupation commander, MajorGeneral Lyne, said the meeting reached complete agreement on everything that was discussed. Soviet troops will leave the British and American zones tomorrow and the German burgomasters will take orders from the British and American Military Governments. Proclamations to this effect are to be posted as quickly as possible. Many Problems Remain About 1,650,000 Berliners will come under the British and American Military Governments at 9 a.m. tomorrow, says Reuter’s Berlin correspondent. Major-General Lyne stated tonight: “The meeting of the Kommandature was conducted in an atmosphere of great friendliness. However, we obviously faced a difficult job. Many problems remain to be solved, but given friendliness and the desire to work together which I have found among Russians, Americans, British and French, I cannot believe there is any problems in Berlin which cannot be solved. “Experts are today working on the settlement of food and fuel problems, we agreed in principle that food shall come from the major occupational areas of each power to the occupational zones in the capital, but there is obviously room for a system of exchange, which the experts are considering. “There will be a uniform ration throughout Berlin. Nearly all the Russian troops will be withdrawn tomorrow from the British and American areas in the city, only a few essential guards of food dumps and railways remaining. “British Military Government courts will now begin to operate. British officers will be attached to the offices of the oberburgomeister of the city.” 17 Sub-Committees Regarding Kommandature policy, Major-General Lyne said all its decisions must be unanimous. Differences would be referred to the Control Commission. Seventeen subcommittees were examining the enormous range of problems posed by the occupying powers. An important meeting would be held tomorrow to consider newspapers, propaganda and radio policy. A Berlin correspondent says that for the present ordinary business controls by the Russians will remain in force to prevent a break in continuity. The British and American Military Governments will take over and meanwhile law experts will meet to thrash out among themselves what changes ought to be made. Food and Fuel Agreement Elaborating on last night’s communique, Major-General Lyne said an agreement on fuel had definitely been reached, but as on food it was only temporary and both would be the subject of review. There had been no question of our giving in to the Russians on the subject of food and fuel. Both sides had compromised. All resources of food would be distributed in the Berlin sectors on a pool basis. The Russians had been jof tremendous help all round. Food and fuel experts of the three Powers were getting together on Thursday. The food system all over Berlin would be uniform. Major-General Lyne added: “I am delighted with the way things are going.” MINE SINKS TRAWLER (Received July 12, 12.15 p»m.) LONDON, July 11 The Admiralty announced that the trawler Kurd was sunk by a mine off the Lizard yesterday. There were some casualties.