13 Aug 2011

The Berlin Wall, Fifty Years Ago

While Condemning Wall in Public, U.S. Officials Saw "Long Term Advantage" if Potential Refugees Stayed in East Germany


"East German infantrymen line-up in close ranks to seal off Berlin's key border crossing point, the Brandenberg Gate" [from the USIA caption], undated, circa 13 August 1961. (All photos from National Archives, College Park MD, Still Pictures Division, Records of U.S. Information Agency, RG 306, collection PS-D, box 56)


Three Days Before Wall Went Up, CIA Expected East Germany Would Take "Harsher Measures" to Solve Refugee Crisis

Disturbed By Lack of Warning, JFK Asked Intelligence Advisers to Review CIA Performance.

National Security Archive Electronic Briefing Book No. 354
Posted - August 12, 2011

For more information contact:
William Burr - 202/994-7000


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