Abstract

Berlin at the Crater's Edge

The article terms Berlin to be placed at the Crater's Edge. A debate started recently over Berlin. Berlin is the German problem in miniature. It is split into two unequal halves. The smaller eastern part, is under the heel of the Russian occupation troops. The western parts are protected by the tanks and machine-guns of the Allies. In contrast to West Germany, Berlin is largely Protestant and Social Democratic. It is therefore the darling of the social Democratic opposition. The government of Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, who is a Catholic burgher first and a German statesman second, feels less warmly about the former capital. Ostensibly it stands by Berlin, but there is no heart in its support. So far it has left the defense of the western part of the city against the Russians to the Berliners themselves and the United States. In the recent debate the Social Democrats, as often before asked, for aid for Berlin and proposed that the West German central government and ministries be moved from the Rhine to the Spree.