COLOGNE: West Germany is considering counter-measures against East Germany’s decision to impose visa requirements for travel between West Germany and West Berlin via East Germany, a Bonn Government spokesman said today [June 12]. Spokesman Conard Ahlers, speaking on Cologne Radio after a Cabinet meeting, said he could not at this stage give any details of the proposed counter-measures, which are being considered after the announcement by East Germany yesterday.

Mr Ahlers said any moves by Bonn would have to be arranged in consultation with US, British and French authorities in West Germany. Meanwhile, the NATO Council in Brussels has been informed of this curb on access to West Berlin, he added. Meanwhile, Chancellor Kiesinger discussed with the British, French and American Ambassadors the implications of the East Berlin decision to demand visas from tomorrow for travel to and from the former German capital. The three Ambassadors — Sir Roger Jackling (Britain), Mr Francois (France) and Mr Henry Cabot Lodge (US) — met members of the Federal Government yesterday and their talks went on late into the night.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2018