Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1948-08-09
German
Continued From First Page

sador Rene Massigli and Sir Will
liam Strang of the British Foreign
once. planned the details of the
current Western approach to the
Russians in Moscow.
Unable to Confirm Report.
American military officials here
said they could not confirm the
Telegraf report. But they added
that frequent reports have been re-
ceived of the Russians strengthen
ing their border installations. These
activities were said to include con-
struction of watch towers, fencing
and formidable road barric4des.
1--WE can't say precisely what it
means" one official said. because
the Russians always liked to put up
such physical barriers. However, it
is known that they several months
ago sharply frightened their border
controls to stop the flow of Ger
mans from their zone into the
American zone.
This illegal traffic had ranged
around 10000 persons per month
people seeking better living condi-
lions in the West or Just trying to
get out of the Russian zone. New
Russian controls have sharply re-
duced that traffic
Borders Sealed for 2 Months.
The borders between the Russian
zone and the British American zone
have been virtually sealed for two
The Russians first stopped
interzonal travel and transport, al
legedly to protect their zones eco
nomy When the Russians imposed
their blockade of Berlin, the West
ern powers retailiated by halting
railway traffic from the West into
the Soviet zone.
Meanwhile, Pravda published
a Berlin dispatch
charging American and British air
men with 81 flying violations in
the air lift to Berlin. The Com
munist Party newspaper singled out
various instances of alleged viola
lions by fighter planes as we'll as
cargo ships.
Only Friday the official Soviet
news agency here said American
and British planes running supplies
to Berlin could be forced down for
flight violations. An American Air
Force official retorted that things
are going to be pretty rough around
here if the Russians try.
Food Crisis in Prospect.
A food crisis in the Soviet zone
was indicated. The Russian-con-
trolled press reported strong meas
ures against hoarders. Farmers and
who conceal their stocks
or sell them in the black market
are being jailed.
The Russians stepped up their
to intimidate Berlin'S
anti Communists, who are opposing
Communist attempts to take over
the entire CITY.
Noting the economic hardships
resulting from the blockade, the
official Taegliche Rundschau threat
ened worse things to come unless
the anti-Communist city govern
.ent yields to demands that Berlin
pe incorporated into the Soviet oc-
cupation zone.
German Police Reported Seized.
The American-licensed newspaper
Tagesspiegel said "a number of
German police officials serving the
Western Berlin police force have
been arrested by rival police of the
Soviet sector.
The newspaper said some were
seized in their homes and were
carried off without even having
chance to dress.
OF the Russian pressure campaign,
the licensed Telegraf said.
These are facts which should
wipe out all illusions about the So
Wet readiness to negotiate a real
understanding. While the talks are
going on in Moscow, the Russians
act on the spot here"
The United States acted, too. Nine
B-29 Superfortresses landed in Eng
land enroute to Germany. Twenty
one others are expected today. They
will replace the 301st bomb group
of B-29s which has been based in
Germany, maintaining at 80 the
Of Superfortresses now In
Europe.
Spain is to give extra rations TO
"a bies and expectant mothers.