Evening star., 1948-07-27

Proposes Aall1nS NuSSla biuH
To the Editor OF Thestar:
Gen Clay declared that he would not be
b,uffed When one has been bluffed, one has
been intimidated into taking that course which
an opponent wishes one to follow.
The kept press Of the Communist Party has
demanded that Berlin be united with the
Eastern zone. The Red Army progressively
has restricted our transport and communica-
tions to and from the city until now the air
route Is our only means of committing. BY
such actions the Russian government has inti-
mated that it wants us to leave Regarding
this attitude as its true sentiment almost
every oficial, every authority, every editor and
every commentator has recommended that we
defiantly remain.
But since the Russian government is chron-
ically mendacious, caution would advise us to
explore the possibility that it may not want
to evict us. If it were required to support the
city by itself, what would be the quality of its
performance? Are there enough highways and
railroads originating in the east to carry the
trafac which came from the west? Are the
tracks and roadbeds in good repair? Can
the Russian government marshal enough roll
ing stock to handle the freight? Is its pool OF
motor vehicles equal to the load? Are its
trained expediters to manage the necessary
and the satellite states spare enough grain, fat,
meat and dairy produce to sustain Berlin? Has
the Russian government the facilities for pre-
serving summer vegetables and fruits? Can the
problem of payment for these supplies be
solved? Can the Russian government furnish
enough winter clothing for the populace? Has
it enough medicine on hand? Can enough
Polish coal be mined to fuel all Of the citys
homes ar.s factories? Can additional amounts
Of metals, minerals, chemicals, agricultural
crudestuffs. machinery, tools and replacement
parts be produced in the Soviet sphere to
enable Berlin's Industries to continue to oper-
ate7 Could the Russian government quickly
attain the normal import quota after being
presented with the assignment? Gould 1t main
tain service over an extended period? Would
the task disrupt the economy of its satellites
and of its own nation?
Obviously, the Russian government could
not provide for Berlin by itself. Failure in
the attempt would so critically damage its
prestige that it dares not force us from the
city. Gen. Clay has been bluffed.
But why has the Russian government sabo-
tagged us in Berlin? We are embarked upon
the project of restoring Western Europe. The
reactvation Of German industry is essential
to our plan. But if the cooperation Of Tri-
zonia and the western union improves the
condition of both while the states under Com
munist control remain impoverished, discomfort
in the east will reach a maximum and, as an
economic doctrine, communism will forfeit all
consideration in the west. Correctly reasoning
that its bullying has bound us to Berlin, the
Russian government has trapped us into COM
mencing the air lift. Experts are agreed that
1t will eventually become impossible to oon-
tinue this practice. At such time the Russian
government will demand the right to obstruct
German participation in ERP as the price of
raising the blockade
Berlin must be kept alive. Only the United
States is able to do so, but we must sacri-
flee our principles for the privilege. We should
insist that the Russian government evacuate
Berlin transferring its capital to Weimar,
Leipzig or Dresden) and cede us an adequate
supply corridor through its zone. In consider
alton therefor. We will nourish all of the
inhabitants, but will make Frankfort not Ber-
lin. our administrative center.
II our terms are not met, we should Withdraw
from the city and permit the Russian govern
ment to assume the responsibility 1t has
claimed. 1t could not also retire in stalemate
for 3h million hungry Berliners would soon
be foraging through the countryside deep with
in its domain. To preserve order it would have
to make a show of providing for them. But
1t could not afford to display its incompetence
for long. In time 1t would have to beg us
to return. Thereafter our presence in Berlin
would be contingent upon its good behavior.
And. both having agreed to relinqush the city
as political prize, there would be less friction
between u.s., TEACHER.