Following intervention from German, Austrian and other ambassadors his custody is suspended in February for health reasons. Havel immediately placed in intensive care in Prague's Pod Petrinem hospital. Havel arrested and removed from hospital by Communist secret police to prevent him from celebrating anniversary of the foundation of Czechoslovakia in 1918. Allowed to leave hospital same day for home treatment. Spokesmen tell press on November 18 that Havel is suffering from pneumonia.
Examination causes slight temperature and cough following slight bronchitis.
Released for recuperation at home on November 18. Doctors also remove a number of undissolved stiches from previous operation. Released from hospital on February 22. Doctors diagnose perforation of large intestine and operate. They find no evidence of a malignant tumour as earlier feared.