axel springer

Axel Springer AG · Information und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit · 10888 Berlin

The Honorable
Dr. Henry A. Kissinger
Suite 302
1800 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
U.S.A.

Axel Springer AG
Information und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit

Axel-Springer-Str. 65
10888 Berlin

Tel: +49 (0) 30 25 91-7 76 00

Fax: +49 (0) 30 25 91-7 76 03

17 October 2005

NOV 0 1 2005

Author Agreement

Dear Mr. Kissinger,

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New York, 8 November 2005

2/2

## Essay by Henry A. Kissinger

### for Edition Axel Springer

September 1, 2005

For most people on both sides of the Atlantic, the experiences surrounding the Second World War are aspects of a past so far removed as to be of no immediate relevance to their lives. It is a measure of the achievement of the immediate postwar generation that this should be so. But the ever fewer witnesses need occasionally recall the spirit of those first decades to remind their grandchildren, sometimes more conscious of difficulties than opportunities, of what was accomplished in the face of daunting challenges by Atlantic partnership and faith in the future.

Even a generation inured to scenes of suffering from television and computer screens will find it difficult to comprehend the scale of devastation of German cities at the end of the war, the total breakdown of communications and of civil authority. The emotional gulf between Germany and the Western allies was so profound that, in the initial months of the occupation, there was a so-called non-fraternization policy prohibiting social contact between the occupying forces and the German population.

That Germans had the courage to start rebuilding from the rubble was a testimony to their faith in their country and to the strong democratic values that had survived the immediate disaster. That within less than a decade the emotional gulf between Germany and its Western nations could be closed and that a transatlantic partnership could emerge is a tribute to the generations on both sides of the Atlantic who, from the first, devoted themselves to the task of creating a new world order.

Today this partnership is so much taken for granted that both sides of the Atlantic occasionally allow themselves to test its cohesion by emphasizing national concerns. But so far, the fundamentals of that relationship have overcome all strains and are now in the process of adaptation to the new circumstances of a world order whose center of gravity is shifting from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Axel Springer was one of the seminal figures of the period of rebuilding and consolidation that culminated in winning the Cold War, the reunification of Germany and the emergence of a politically united Europe. He founded one of the earliest newspapers in postwar

2

Germany, the *Hamburger Abendblatt*. With his acquisition from the occupation authorities of *Die Welt* and the *Welt am Sonntag* in 1953, Springer became a major figure in shaping German postwar attitudes. Others will describe Axel Springer's role in domestic matters. But through the debates over German membership in the Atlantic Alliance, the Berlin crisis of 1956-1961, the deployment of missiles on German soil, the building of the Berlin Wall and the formation of a united Europe, the Springer publications, of which I know *Die Welt* and *Welt am Sonntag* best, stood firmly for principles formally announced in 1967: a commitment to the unification of Germany; reconciliation between Germans and Jews; rejection of totalitarianism of any kind; defense of a free market based on social principles.

These principles were severely tested in the aftermath of the building of the Berlin Wall, which seemed to undermine the assumption that had underlain German policy of the 1950s: that a firm commitment to the West would eventually lead to German unification. The Wall seemed to proclaim the division of Germany as permanent and to end any prospect of unification except on communist terms.

Axel Springer never accepted that proposition. His journals never accepted the self-designation of the communist puppet state, always placing the term DDR (German Democratic Republic) into quotation marks.

Axel Springer stood behind his conviction by building the headquarters of the Springer publications at the very edge of West Berlin along the Wall. From his office he could look over the Wall and see the divided city, which he viewed as temporary. For the decades afterwards the Springer House was for many a symbol of the challenge of reuniting Germany in a united Europe which would form the anchor of an Atlantic partnership.

I have been asked to what extent the Springer commitment to transatlantic relations and to the international acceptance of Israel has been understood or appreciated in the United States. It is a difficult question to answer because it depends on the audience one is talking about. For the longest part of the postwar period, the transatlantic relationship was non-controversial in the United States. The public at large was therefore not sensitive to shades of opinion in an Allied country whose basic orientation was treated as that of a trusted friend. For those in the policymaking process or in the think tank circuit, on the other hand, the views of the Springer publications did provide reassurance of the permanence of the Allied commitment and

3

[Y]

encouragement for the community of interest. The Springer headquarters in Berlin were also for Americans a haven where one could exchange ideas about the common transatlantic future, if not always in full agreement on specifics but always on a shared commitment to a common destiny.

The issue of reconciliation between Germans and Jews was especially important in the first two decades of the Federal Republic. I notice that in an interview with *Der Spiegel* of August 15, 2005, Dr. Mathias Döfner has restated the original Springer principle in terms of guaranteeing Israel's right to exist. As a Jewish emigrant from Germany, I am happy about this evolution. It implies that relations between Germans and Jews have become normal. They will be judged by the day to day conduct of both sides and are no longer overwhelmed by the past. German leaders of all parties have shown great sensitivity to this issue. The Springer publications have made a major contribution.

In the next years Germany and the United States will have an opportunity to test their views on the necessities of Israel's survival on the diplomatic level. For with Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and some favorable trends in some Arab countries, an opportunity for negotiating a final settlement may have come about. A key to it is to end the state of affairs in which European diplomats appear as lawyers for the Arab side and the United States as advocate of Israel's security requirements. There are many prerequisites for success in negotiations on Palestine, many of them dependent on the attitudes of the parties themselves. But a major effort to achieve a common US-European position is central and, with respect to the European view, Germany's role can be crucial.

On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the death of Axel Springer, the world finds itself in a situation in some respects comparable to that of the end of the Second World War. Then the existing international system had disintegrated, a major security challenge had arisen in the Soviet Union and America was still in thrill to its isolationist past. In the face of many pessimistic expectations, an Atlantic partnership emerged that mastered the challenges of that period.

Today the world is comparably unsettled, largely as a result of the success of the previous partnership. The Soviet danger has collapsed but so has the traditional European state system. A unifying Europe is striving for identity. A new threat has emerged, no longer defined by

4

[Y]

the Westphalian concept of sovereignty. Globalization has contributed to the emergence of new power centers. A new world order is in the process of emerging, a painful but also inspiring process.

Can the transatlantic partnership adapt itself to these prospects? For those of us who believe that the opportunity is even greater than a generation ago, the contribution of the Springer group will surely play a major role.

Let me end these observations on a personal note. I have had the privilege of contributing a column to the *Welt am Sonntag* for twenty years, and I appreciate the helpfulness of the editorial staff. In recent years, I have expressed to them my concern that my acquaintances in Germany tend towards the leadership groups of a generation passing from the scene. The Springer group has tried to correct this deficiency by arranging for me on numerous occasions to meet with younger Germans between the ages of twenty-five and forty. Many (if not most) of them did not necessarily agree with all the editorial views of the Springer papers and even less with all the policies of the US administration. I have learned a great deal from those meetings, and I mention them as an indication of the larger role played by the Springer group in fostering transatlantic ties.

1,404 words

9/2/05-#3

## Essay by Henry A. Kissinger
for <u>Edition Axel Springer</u>

2

breakdown of communications and of civil authority. The emotional
gulf between Germany and the Western allies was so profound that, in
the initial months of the occupation, there was a so-called non-
fraternization policy prohibiting social contact between the occupying
forces and the German population.

3

Axel Springer was one of the seminal figures of the period of
rebuilding and consolidation that culminated in winning the Cold War,
the reunification of Germany and the emergence of a politically united
Europe. He founded one of the earliest newspapers in postwar
Germany, the *Hamburger Abendblatt*. With his acquisition from the
occupation authorities of *Die Welt* and the *Welt am Sonntag* in 1953,
Springer became a major figure in shaping German postwar attitudes.
Others will describe Axel Springer's role in domestic matters. But
through the debates over German membership in the Atlantic, the
Berlin crisis of 1956-1961, the deployment of missiles on German soil,
the building of the Berlin Wall and the formation of a united Europe,

4

[Y]

5

6

[4]

large was therefore not sensitive to shades of opinion in an allied
country whose basic orientation was treated as that of a trusted friend.

For those in the policymaking process or in the think tank circuit, on
the other hand, the views of the Springer publications did provide
reassurance of the permanence of the Allied commitment and
encouragement. The Springer headquarters in Berlin were also for
Americans a haven where one could exchange ideas about the
common transatlantic future, if not always in full agreement on
specifics but always on a shared commitment to a common destiny.

7

[Y]

8

On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the death of Axel Springer, the world finds itself in a situation in some respects comparable to that of the end of the Second World War. Then the existing international system had disintegrated, a major security challenge had arisen in the Soviet Union and America was still in thrall to its isolationist past. In the face of many pessimistic expectations, an Atlantic partnership emerged that mastered the challenges of that period.

Today the world is comparably unsettled, largely as a result of
the success of the previous partnership. The Soviet danger has
collapsed but so has the traditional European state system. A unifying
Europe is striving for identity. A new threat has emerged, no longer
defined by the Westphalian concept of sovereignty. Globalization has

9

[Y]

10

CJ

1,404 words

9/2/05-#3

With verbal changes

## Essay by Henry A. Kissinger
for Edition Axel Springer

2

[4]

4

[Y]

[Y]

for the *commun* of interest.
encouragement. The Springer headquarters in Berlin were also for
Americans a haven where one could exchange ideas about the
common transatlantic future, if not always in full agreement on
specifics but always on a shared commitment to a common destiny.

7

8

9

[Y]

10

[4]

1,404 words

8/31/05-#2

For most people on both sides of the Atlantic, the experiences surrounding the Second World War are far removed as aspects of a past so far removed as to be of no immediate relevance to their lives. It is a measure of the achievement of the immediate postwar generation that this should be decidingly so. But the relatively few survivors of that period need to bear witness to the ever fewer occasions to the spirit of those first decades, if only to remind their grandchildren, sometimes more conscious of difficulties than opportunities, of what was accomplished in the face of daunting challenges by Atlantic partnership and faith in the future.

I returned to Germany six years after emigrating as an American soldier. Even a generation inured to scenes of suffering from television and computer screens will find it difficult to comprehend the

2 at the end of the war

scale of devastation of German cities, the total breakdown of communications and of civil authority. The emotional gulf between Germany and the Western allies was so profound that, in the initial months of the occupation, there was a so-called non-fraternization policy prohibiting social contact between the occupying forces and the German population.

That Germans had the courage to start rebuilding from the rubble was a testimony to their faith in their country and to the strong democratic values that had survived the immediate disaster. That within less than a decade the emotional gulf between Germany and its Western nations could be closed and that a transatlantic partnership could emerge is a tribute to the generations on both sides of the Atlantic who, from the first, devoted themselves to the task of partnership, creating a new world order.

3

Today this partnership is so much taken for granted that both *of the Atlantic* sides occasionally allow themselves to test it by emphasizing largely national concerns. But so far, the fundamentals of that relationship have overcome all strains and are now in the process of adaptation to the new circumstances of a world order in flux.

Axel Springer was one of the symbolic figures of the period of rebuilding and consolidation that culminated in winning the Cold War, the reunification of Germany and the emergence of a politically united Europe. He founded one of the earliest newspapers in postwar Germany, the *Hamburger Abendblatt*. With his acquisition from the occupation authorities of *Die Welt* and the *Welt am Sonntag* in 1953, Springer became a major figure in shaping German postwar attitudes. Others will need to describe Axel Springer's role in domestic matters.

But through the debates on German rearmament, the deployment of nuclear weapons on German soil, the Berlin crisis of 1956-1961, the

Y

deployment of missiles on German soil, the building of the Berlin Wall and the formation of a united Europe, the Springer publications, of which I know *Die Welt* and *Welt am Sonntag* best, stood firmly for principles first tacitly, then formally, announced: a commitment to the unification of Germany; reconciliation between Germans and Jews; rejection of totalitarianism of any kind; defense of a free market based on social principles.

5

[Y]

Axel Springer never accepted that proposition current among some intellectuals but never by the population, West or East. Springer epitomized this faith in Germany's future. His journals never accepted the self-designation of the communist puppet state, always placing the term DDR (German Democratic Republic) into quotation marks.

Axel Springer stood behind his conviction by building the headquarters of the Springer publications at the very edge of West Berlin along the Wall. From his office he could look over the Wall and see the divided city, which he viewed as temporary. For the decades afterwards the Springer House was for many a symbol of the task of the future, of writing Germany in a united Europe which would form the anvil of an Atlantic partnership.

6

[y]

question to answer because it depends on the audience one is talking about. For the longest part of the postwar period, the transatlantic relationship was non-controversial in the United States. The public at large was therefore not sensitive to shades of opinion in an allied country whose basic orientation was treated as that of a trusted friend.

For those in the policymaking process or in the think tank circuit, the views of the Springer publications did provide reassurance and encouragement. The Springer headquarters in Berlin [were] also for

[Mathias] Döfner has restated the original Springer principle in terms

7

8

negotiations on Palestine, ~~a great number~~ of them dependent on the attitudes of the parties themselves. But a major effort to achieve a common US-European position is central and, with respect to the European view, Germany's role can be crucial.

9

[Y]

Europe is striving for identity. A new threat has emerged, no longer defined by the Westphalian system and its concept of sovereignty.

[Foreword] those of us who believe that the opportunity is even greater than a generation ago, the contribution of the Springer group will surely play a major role.

Let me end these observations on a personal note. I have had the privilege of contributing a column to the *Welt am Sonntag* for twenty years, and I appreciate the helpfulness of the editorial staff. In recent years, I have expressed to them my concern that my acquaintances in Germany tend towards the leadership groups of a *pennig from this scene* perhaps older generation. The Springer group has tried to correct this

10

deficiency by arranging [for me,] on at least four occasions, [to meet]
with younger Germans between [the ages of] twenty-five and forty.

Many (if not most) of them did not necessarily agree with all the
editorial views of the Springer papers and even less with all the
policies of the US administration. I have learned a great deal from
those meetings, and I mention them as an indication of the large
transatlantic group in formation.

Atlantic Group.

1,404 words

8/31/05-#2

For most people on both sides of the Atlantic, the experiences surrounding the Second World War are far removed aspects of a past of no immediate relevance to their lives. It is a measure of the achievement of the immediate postwar generation that this should be so. But the relatively few survivors of that period need to bear witness occasionally to the spirit of those first decades, if only to remind their grandchildren, sometimes more conscious of difficulties than opportunities, of what can be accomplished in the face of daunting challenges by Atlantic partnership and faith in the future.

2

That Germans had the courage to start rebuilding from the
rubble was a testimony to their faith in their country and to the strong
democratic values that had survived the immediate disaster. That
within less than a decade the emotional gulf between Germany and its
Western nations could be closed and that a transatlantic partnership
could emerge is a tribute to the generations on both sides of the
Atlantic who, from the first, devoted themselves to the task of
partnership.

3

Today this partnership is so much taken for granted that both sides occasionally allow themselves to test it by emphasizing largely national concerns. But so far, the fundamentals of that relationship have overcome all strains and are now in the process of adaptation to the new circumstances of a world order in flux.

4

Axel Springer never accepted that proposition current among some intellectuals but never by the population, West or East. Axel Springer epitomized this faith in Germany's future. His journals never accepted the self-designation of the communist puppet state, always placing the term DDR (German Democratic Republic) into quotation marks.

Axel Springer stood behind his conviction by building the headquarters of the Springer publications at the very edge of West Berlin along the Wall. From his office he could look over the Wall and see the divided city, which he viewed as temporary. For the decades afterwards the Springer House was for many a symbol of our task for the future.

6

For those in the policymaking process or in the think tank circuit, the views of the Springer publications did provide reassurance and encouragement. The Springer headquarters in Berlin [were] also for Americans a haven where one could exchange ideas about the common transatlantic future, if not always in full agreement on specifics but always on a shared commitment to a common destiny.

The issue of reconciliation between Germans and Jews was especially important in the first two decades of the Federal Republic. I notice that in an interview with *Der Spiegel* of August 15, 2005, Dr. [Mathias] Döfner has restated the original Springer principle in terms

7

[Y]

8

[Y]

negotiations on Palestine, a great number of them dependent on the attitudes of the parties themselves. But a major effort to achieve a common US-European position is central and, with respect to the European view, Germany's role can be crucial.

9

[Y]

[For] those of us who believe that the opportunity is even greater than a generation ago, the contribution of the Springer group will surely play a major role.

Let me end these observations on a personal note. I have had
the privilege of contributing a column to the *Welt am Sonntag* for
twenty years, and I appreciate the helpfulness of the editorial staff. In
recent years, I have expressed to them my concern that my
acquaintances in Germany tend towards the leadership groups of a
perhaps older generation. The Springer group has tried to correct this

10

Many (if not most) of them did not necessarily agree with all the
editorial views of the Springer papers and even less with all the
policies of the US administration. I have learned a great deal from
those meetings, and I mention them as an indication of the
transatlantic role played by the organization.

AUG-30-2005 15:57

KAI

212 759 0042 P.01

1,398 words

8/30/05

for Edition Axel Springer

For the vast majority of the population on both sides of the Atlantic, the experiences surrounding the Second World War are far removed aspects of a past of no immediate relevance to their lives. It is a measure of the achievement of the immediate postwar generation that this should be so. But the relatively few survivors of that period need to bear witness occasionally to the spirit of those first decades, if only to remind their children and grandchildren of the distance they have traveled. In a period sometimes more conscious of its difficulties than its opportunities, it is important to recall what has been accomplished in the face of far more daunting challenges by Atlantic partnership + faith in the future.

AUG-30-2005 15:57

KAI

212 759 0042

P.02

2

television and computer screens will find it difficult to comprehend the scale of devastation of German cities, the total breakdown of communications and of civil authority. The emotional gulf between Germany and the Western allies was so profound that, in the initial months of the occupation, there was a so-called non-fraternization policy prohibiting social contact between the occupying forces and the German population.

That Germans had the courage even to start rebuilding from the rubble was a testimony to their faith in their country and to the strong sense of values that had survived the immediate disaster. That within less than a decade the emotional gulf between Germany and its Western nations could be demarcated, and that a transatlantic partnership could emerge is a tribute to the generations on both sides of the Atlantic who, from the first, devoted themselves to the task of partnership.

AUG-30-2005 15:57

KAI

212 759 0042

P.03

3

Axel Springer was one of the symbolic figures of the period of rebuilding and consolidation that culminated in winning the Cold War, the reunification of Germany and the emergence of a politically united Europe. He founded one of the earliest newspapers in postwar Germany, the *Hamburger Abendblatt*. With his acquisition from the occupation authorities of *Die Welt* and the *Welt am Sonntag* in 1953, Springer became a major figure in shaping the German postwar attitude. Others will need to describe Axel Springer's role in domestic matters. But through the debates on German rearmament, the deployment of nuclear weapons on German soil, the Berlin crisis of

AUG-30-2005 15:57

KAI

212 759 0042

P.04

1956-1961, the deployment of missiles on German soil, the building of
the Berlin Wall and all the crises thereafter, the Springer publications,
of which I know Die Welt and Welt am Sonntag best, stood firmly for
principles first tacitly, then formally, announced: a commitment to the
unification of Germany; reconciliation between Germans and Jews;
rejection of totalitarianism of any kind; defense of a free market based
on social principles.

AUG-30-2005 15:57

KAI

212 759 0042

P.05

5

Axel Springer never accepted that proposition current among some intellectuals but never by the population, West or East. Axel Springer epitomized this faith in Germany's future. His journals never accepted the self-designation of the communist *Puppet state*, always placing the term DDR (German Democratic Republic) into quotation marks.

Axel Springer stood behind his conviction by building the headquarters of the Springer publications at the very edge of West Berlin along the Wall. From his office he could look over the Wall and see the divided city, which he viewed as temporary. For the decades afterwards the Spring House was for me as for many others a symbol of our task for the future. It was also for Americans a haven in Berlin where one could exchange ideas about the common transatlantic future, if not always in full agreement on specifics but always on a shared commitment to a common destiny.

AUG-30-2005 15:57

KAI

212 759 0042

P.06

6

I have been asked to what extent the Spring commitment to transatlantic relations and to the international acceptance of Israel has been understood or appreciated in the United States. It is a difficult question to answer because it depends on the audience one is talking to.

The public at large was therefore not sensitive to shades of opinion in an allied country whose basic orientation was treated as a <u>steady</u> <u>trusted</u> friend. For those in the policymaking process or in the think tank circuit, the views of the Springer publications did provide reassurance and encouragement.<sup>5</sup>

AUG-30-2005 15:57

KAI

212 759 0042

7

of guaranteeing Israel's right to exist. As a Jewish emigrant from
Germany, I am happy about this evolution. It implies that relations
between Germans and Jews have become normal. They will be judged
by the day to day conduct of both sides and are no longer dominated
over by the pack of tragedies that happened over half a century ago.
German leaders
of all parties have shown great sensitivities to this issue. The Springer
publications have made a great contribution to the majorities in
Germany and the United States will have a great opportunity to test their
views on the necessities of Israel's survival on the diplomatic level.

For with Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and trends in the Arab world
some favorable trends in certain countries, an opportunity for negotiating a final settlement may have
come about. A key to it is to end the state of affairs in which

European diplomats appear as lawyers for the Arab side and the
United States as advocate of Israel's security requirements. There are
many prerequisites for success in these negotiations, a great number

AUG-30-2005 15:58

KAI

212 759 0042

P.08

On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the death of Axel Springer, the world finds itself in a situation in some respects strongly comparable to that of the end of the Second World War. Then the existing international system had disintegrated, a major security challenge led by Winston Churchill arose in the Soviet Union and America was still in thrall to its isolationist past. In the face of many pessimistic expectations, an Atlantic partnership emerged that mastered the challenges of that period.

Today the world is comparably unsettled, largely as a result of the success of the previous partnership. The Soviet danger has collapsed but so has had the traditional European stated system. A unifying Europe is striving for identity. A new threat has emerged, no

AUG-30-2005 15:58

KAI

212 759 0042

P.09

9

longer defined by the state system of the Westphalian period and its
concept of sovereignty. Globalization has contributed to the
emergence of new power centers. A new world order is in the process
of emerging, a painful but also inspiring process.

Can the transatlantic partnership adapt itself to these prospects?
[For] those of us who believe that the opportunity is even greater than
a generation ago, the contribution of the Springer group will surely
play a major role.

Let me end these observations on a personal note. I have had
the privilege of contributing a column to the Welt am Sonntag for
twenty years, and I appreciate the helpfulness of the editorial staff. In
recent years, I have expressed to them my concern that my
acquaintances in Germany tend towards the leadership groups of a
perhaps older generation. The Springer group has tried to correct this
deficiency by arranging [for me,] on at least four occasions, [to meet]

AUG-30-2005 15:58

KAI

212 759 0042

P. 10

10

TOTAL P. 10

1,398 words

8/30/05

For the vast majority of the population on both sides of the Atlantic, the experiences surrounding the Second World War are far removed aspects of a past of no immediate relevance to their lives. It is a measure of the achievement of the immediate postwar generation that this should be so. But the relatively few survivors of that period need to bear witness occasionally to the spirit of those first decades, if only to remind their children and grandchildren of the distance they have traveled. In a period sometimes more conscious of its difficulties than its opportunities, it is important to recall what has been accomplished in the face of far more daunting challenges.

2

[Y]

That Germans had the courage even to start rebuilding from the rubble was a testimony to their faith in their country and to the strong sense of values that had survived the immediate disaster. That within less than a decade the emotional gulf between Germany and its Western nations could be in the process of being closed and that a transatlantic partnership could emerge is a tribute to the generations on both sides of the Atlantic who, from the first, devoted themselves to the task of partnership.

3

[Y]

Axel Springer was one of the symbolic figures of the period of rebuilding and consolidation that culminated in winning the Cold War, the reunification of Germany and the emergence of a politically united Europe. He founded one of the earliest newspapers in postwar Germany, the *Hamburger Abendblatt*. With his acquisition from the occupation authorities of *Die Welt* and the *Welt am Sonntag* in 1953, [Springer] became a major figure in shaping the German postwar attitude. Others will need to describe Axel Springer's role in domestic matters. But through the debates on German rearmament, the deployment of nuclear weapons on German soil, the Berlin crisis of

4

1956-1961, the deployment of missiles on German soil, the building of the Berlin Wall and all the crises thereafter, the Springer publications, of which I know *Die Welt* and *Welt am Sonntag* best, stood firmly for principles first tacitly, then formally, announced: a commitment to the unification of Germany; reconciliation between Germans and Jews; rejection of totalitarianism of any kind; defense of a free market based on social principles.

5

[Y]

Axel Springer never accepted that proposition current among some intellectuals but never by the population, West or East. Axel Springer epitomized this faith in Germany's future. His journals never accepted the self-designation of the communist ______ state, always placing the term DDR (German Democratic Republic) into quotation marks.

Axel Springer stood behind his conviction by building the headquarters of the Springer publications at the very edge of West Berlin along the Wall. From his office he could look over the Wall and see the divided city, which he viewed as temporary. For the decades afterwards the Spring House was for me - as for many others - a symbol of our task for the future. It was also for Americans a haven where one could exchange ideas about the common transatlantic future, if not always in full agreement on specifics but always on a shared commitment to a common destiny.

6

[Y]

I have been asked to what extent the Spring commitment to transatlantic relations and to the international acceptance of Israel has been understood or appreciated in the United States. It is a difficult question to answer because it depends on the audience one is addressing. For the longest part of the postwar period, the transatlantic relationship was non-controversial in the United States. The public at large was therefore not sensitive to shades of opinion in an allied country whose basic orientation was treated as a steady friend. For those in the policymaking process or in the think tank circuit, the views of the Springer publications did provide reassurance and encouragement.

7

[Y]

of guaranteeing Israel's right to exist. As a Jewish emigrant from
Germany, I am happy about this evolution. It implies that relations
between Germans and Jews have become normal. They will be judged
by the day to day conduct of both sides and are no longer dominated
by tragedies that happened over half a century ago. German leaders
of all parties have shown great sensitivities to this issue. The Springer
publications have made a great contribution. In the next years
Germany and the United States will have [an] opportunity to test their
views on the necessities of Israel's survival on the diplomatic level.
For with Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and trends in six Arab
countries, an opportunity for negotiating a final settlement may have
come about. A key to it is to end the state of affairs in which
European diplomats appear as lawyers for the Arab side and the
United States as advocate of Israel's security requirements. There are
many prerequisites for success in these negotiations, a great number

8

On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the death of Axel
Springer, the world finds itself in a situation strongly comparable to
that of the end of the Second World War. Then the existing
international system had disintegrated, a major security challenge
arose in the Soviet Union and America was still in thrall to its
isolationist past. In the face of many pessimistic expectations, an
Atlantic partnership emerged that mastered the challenges of that
period.

Today the world is comparably unsettled, largely as a result of
the success of the previous partnership. The Soviet danger has
collapsed but so had the traditional European stated system. A
unifying Europe is striving for identity. A new threat has emerged, no

9

[Y]

Let me end these observations on a personal note. I have had
the privilege of contributing a column to the *Welt am Sonntag* for
twenty years, and I appreciate the helpfulness of the editorial staff. In
recent years, I have expressed to them my concern that my
acquaintances in Germany tend towards the leadership groups of a
perhaps older generation. The Springer group has tried to correct this
deficiency by arranging [for me,] on at least four occasions, [to meet]

10

[Y]

HK: Ernst Cramer hopes you'll contribute to a book Springer Verlag is preparing in commemoration of Axel Springer, to be published a few weeks after the 20th anniversary of his death Sept. 22nd.

Working title is *Edition Axel Springer, &*
it will be divided into two parts -- Part A featuring a selection of his writings, Part B essays by present-day authors.

Your contribution should be personal, critical if you wish - not a "staatsragende Laudatio." Guidelines highlighted in attached.

Attached draft agrees to contribute.

Prefer ________________

Jody

[Lc]

TOTAL P.01

01-11-COOP-TFT

nu cu

"Edition Axel Springer"

Kurzexposé

Vor 20 Jahren, am 22. September 1985 verstarb der Verleger Axel Springer in Berlin. Die Axel Springer AG veröffentlicht zu diesem Anlaß eine "Edition Axel Springer" (Arbeitsziel). Das opulent ausgestattete Buch wird im Teil A ausgewählte Texte Axel Springers und im Teil B eine Reihe von Essays von Autoren der Gegenwart enthalten.

Die Edition ist ein Reader zur Person Axel Springer, keine Verlagsgeschichte. Durch die Lektüre von Ansprachen und wegweisenden Zeitungsartikeln Axel Springers wird dem Leser vermittelt, wofür der Verleger auftrat, was ihm ein journalistisches und politisches Herzensanliegen war, womit er konfrontiert wurde und wie er sich positionierte.

Schon allein dadurch vereint die "Edition Axel Springer" die Themenbereiche Berlin und deutsche Einheit, Ostpolitik, Ost-West-Konflikt und internationale Beziehungen Deutschlands (vor allem Israel, USA). Hinzu kommen pressegeschichtliche Aspekte wie Ullsteins Berliner Verlagstradition, die Debatte um die Pressekonzentration sowie die Kritik am Verlagshaus Axel Springer von Studenten, Publizisten und Links-Intellektuellen.

Im Teil B schreiben heutige Autoren darüber, was für sie an Axel Springer das Besondere war (das Positive, das Ärgerliche), was seine journalistischen und politischen Visionen bewirkten, wie die Kritik an ihm begründet war, welchen Stellenwert Axel Springer hatte und ob bzw. wie er fortwirkt. Ziel ist nicht eine "staatstragende" Laudatio. Es ist vielmehr ausdrücklich gewünscht, daß auch kritische, persönliche Stimmen enthalten sind und so eine breite Palette an Texten zur vielschichtigen Persönlichkeit in der "Edition Axel Springer" gesammelt wird.

Zur Zielgruppe der Edition gehören die allgemeine Öffentlichkeit sowie Verlagsmitarbeiter, d.h. das Buch wird im Buchhandel erhältlich sein und gleichzeitig den Mitarbeitern des Verlagshauses Axel Springer zugänglich gemacht.

212 753 7248 P.01

KAI DC

JUL-19-2005 11:23

Biographie: Axel Springer, 1912-1985

Page 1 of 7

1912-1985

Axel Springer
Verleger

1912

2. Mai: Axel Cäsar Springer wird in Hamburg-Altona geboren. Sein Vater, Hinrich Springer, ist Inhaber des Verlages Hammerich & Lesser, Verleger der "Altonaer Nachrichten" und Schatzmeister der Deutschen Demokratischen Partei (DDP).

1928-1932

Springer wird Lehrling in der Druckerei seines Vaters und in den Schröderschen Papierfabriken Sieler & Vogel in Hamburg und Leipzig. Anschließend Volontär bei der "Bergedorfer Zeitung" und bei der Nachrichtenagentur Wolff'sches Telegrafenbureau (WTB), bis er Redakteur bei der Zeitung "Altonaer Nachrichten", verantwortlich für Sport und Wirtschaft, wird.

1933

Heirat mit der Hamburger Kaufmannstochter Martha Else Meyer, noch im gleichen Jahr wird seine Tochter Barbara geboren.

1934-1941

Stellvertretender Chefredakteur der Zeitung "Altonaer Nachrichten" bis sie durch eine Verfügung der Nationalsozialisten eingestellt werden muß.

1939

Zweite Heirat mit dem Mannequin Erna Frieda Berta Holm (geb. Küster) aus Berlin.
Springer wird für kriegsuntauglich erklärt.

1941-1944

Geburt seines Sohnes Axel.
Springer wird Gesellschafter im Verlag seines Vaters. Die Buchproduktion wird 1944 geschlossen, der Verlag besteht nominell fort.

1945

Zusammen mit seinem Vater erhält Springer die Lizenz für den Hammerich & Lesser-Verlag. Dort erscheint als erstes der Kalender "Besinnung. Ewige Worte der Menschlichkeit".

1946

Springer verlegt die "Norwestdeutschen Hefte", in denen Beiträge aus dem Nordwestdeutschen Rundfunk gedruckt werden.
Dezember: Der Hammerich & Lesser Verlag gibt die Programmzeitschrift "Hör zu" erstmals heraus.

http://www.dhm.de/lemo/html/biografien/SpringerAxel/

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[ic]

Page 2 of 7

**1947**
Gründung der "Axel Springer GmbH". Zusammen mit John Jahr (1900-1991) erhält Springer die Lizenz zur Herausgabe der Frauenzeitschrift "Constanze", die im März 1948 erstmals erscheint.

**1948**
Springer erhält die Lizenz für die Herausgabe einer eigenen Tageszeitung, dem "Hamburger Abendblatt". Es ist in Hamburg die erste von deutschen Behörden zugelassene überparteiliche Zeitung.

**1950**
Das Hamburger Verlagshaus in der Kaiser-Wilhelm Straße wird gebaut.
Die Zeitschrift "Hör zu" erreicht erstmalig eine Auflage von 1 Million.

**1952**
Erste Ausgabe des von Springer nach englischem Vorbild konzipierten Boulevard-Blattes "Bild"- Zeitung.

**1953**
Dritte Ehe mit Rosemarie Alsen, geborene Lorenz.
September: Springer kauft von den Briten die Zeitungen "Die Welt", "Welt am Sonntag" und "Das Neue Blatt".

**1956**
Beteiligung am Berliner Ullstein-Verlag.
April: Erste Ausgabe von "Bild am Sonntag".

**1958**
Springer reist nach Moskau, um dem sowjetischen Staatschef Nikita S. Chruschtschow seinen Plan von der Wiedervereinigung Deutschlands vorzulegen. Einziges Ergebnis ist ein Interview mit Chruschtschow in der "Welt".

**1959**
Gründung des Springer Auslandsdienstes (SAD).
Erwerb der Mehrheit am Ullstein-Verlag mit den Tageszeitungen "B.Z." und "Berliner Morgenpost".

**1961**
Verkauf der Anteile an der Zeitschrift "Constanze" an den Verleger John Jahr.

**1962**
Vierte Heirat mit Helga Alsen, geborene Ludewig-Sarre. Aus dieser Ehe stammt sein Sohn Raimund Nicolaus.

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[w]

Page 4 of 7

Erwerb von verschiedenen Regionalblättern wie der "Bergedorfer Zeitung" und der "Lübecker Nachrichten".

**1971**
Veröffentlichung einer Sammlung von Reden und Aufsätzen unter
dem Titel "Von Berlin aus gesehen".

**1972**
Bombenanschlag der Rote Armee Fraktion (RAF) auf das
Hamburger Springer-Hochhaus, bei dem 17 Mitarbeiter verletzt
werden.

**1973**
Brandanschlag auf Springers Gästehaus in Kampen und auf sein
Chalet in Gstaad.
Einweihung der größten Offsetdruckerei Europas, der sechsten
Druckerei Springers.

**1974**
Verleihung der Ehrendoktorwürde der israelischen Bar-Ilan-
Universität in Ramat-Gan.
Gründung der Zeitschrift "Kontinent" in der osteuropäische
Schriftsteller veröffentlichen, die von kommunistischen Regimen
verfolgt werden.

**1976**
Neugründung von Spezialzeitschriften wie dem "Musikjoker", dem
"Tennis Magazin" und dem "Ski-Magazin".
Erwerb einer Minderheitsbeteiligung an der Münchner Zeitungs-
Verlag GmbH & Co KG. Die Übernahme der Mehrheit scheitert
am Einspruch des Bundeskartellamtes.
Verleihung der Ehrendoktorwürde der Hebräischen Universität
von Jerusalem.

**1977**
Auszeichnung mit der American Friendship Medal.
Unter dem Decknamen Hans Esser arbeitet der Journalist Günter
Wallraff in der "Bild"-Redaktion Hannover und schreibt das
Enthüllungsbuch "Der Aufmacher" über die Methoden des
Massenblattes.

**1978**
Der Springer Verlag wird zu 50.000 DM Schmerzensgeld
verurteilt, weil "Bild" die Studentin Eleonore Poensgen nach der
Ermordung des Chefs der Dresdner Bank, Jürgen Ponto (1923-
1977), als Terroristin bezeichnet hat.
Start der Frauenzeitschrift "Journal für die Frau".
Fünfte Heirat mit seiner langjährigen Lebensgefährtin Elfriede
Riewerts.
Springer wird erster Träger der Leo-Baeck-Medaille wegen seiner
Verdienste um die Aussöhnung zwischen Deutschen und Juden.

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ic

Page 5 of 7

1979-1981

Ein Prozeß zwischen Günter Wallraff und der "Bild"-Zeitung wird für Wallraff entschieden. Der Journalist hatte in seinem Buch "Zeuge der Anklage" behauptet, von "Bild"-Journalisten abgehört zu werden.

1980

Springers ältester Sohn Axel begeht in Hamburg Selbstmord. Veröffentlichung des Buches "Aus Sorge um Deutschland". Wissenschaftler und Künstler schließen sich zu einem Boykott gegen die "Bild"-Zeitung zusammen. Auf dem PEN-Kongreß in Bremen beschließen 58 Schriftsteller, nicht für Springer-Blätter zu schreiben.

1980-1985

Beteiligung an dem anlaufenden Bildschirmtext-Versuch (Btx). Nach der enttäuschenden Entwicklung des Btx-Marktes zieht sich der Springer-Verlag 1985 wieder daraus zurück.

1981

Verleihung der Ehrendoktorwürde der Universität Boston und des Konrad-Adenauer-Preises der Deutschlandstiftung.

1982

Verkaufsverhandlungen mit dem Burda-Verlag müssen aufgrund eines Vetos des Kartellamtes ausgesetzt werden. Auszeichnung mit der Berliner Ernst-Reuter-Medaille.

1983

Burda erwirbt nach Zustimmung des Kartellamtes 24,9 Prozent des Springer-Verlages.

Die Zeitschrift "Bild der Frau" und die TV-Illustrierte "Bildwoche" erscheinen erstmals.

Spinger erhält als erster Deutscher den Titel "Bewahrer Jerusalems".

1985

Juni: Beginn der Veräußerung von 49 Prozent des Aktienkapitals des Springer-Verlages.

22. September: Axel Springer stirbt in West-Berlin. In seinem Testament werden die Erben verpflichtet, bis zum Jahre 2015 ihr Erbe nicht zu verkaufen.

(iz)

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Axel Springer History of the Company

[le]

Page 1 of 2

## Brief Biography

### Axel Springer (1912 - 1985)

#### 1912

Axel Springer is born in Altona on 2 May 1912.

#### 1928-1932

After attending secondary school he becomes an apprentice compositor and printer at the publishers Hammerich & Lesser-Verlag, his father's company. This is followed by: Practical training in the news agency „Wolff's Telegraphisches Bureau" and work as a local reporter for the newspaper Bergedorfer Zeitung.

Axel Springer in front of his parental home in Bendorf/Lüneburg, Heath.

#### 1933-1941

Journalist with the Altonaer Nachrichten until the compulsory closure of the newspaper.

#### 1941-1945

Publication of literary works in Hammerich & Lesser Verlag.

#### 1946

Establishment of Axel Springer Verlag.

#### January 1958

Axel Springer travels to Moscow and meets Nikita Krushchev. He tries in vain to gain the Kremlin's support for the reunification of Germany.

#### May 1959

Foundation stone laid for publishing building in Kochstrasse, Berlin (opened 1966).

#### July 1966

Axel Springer's first visit to Israel.

#### October 1967

Axel Springer announces his publishing principles in an address to the Hamburg "Overseas Club".

#### 1. January 1970

The publishing company is converted into a joint stock company (AG) The sole shareholder is Axel Springer.

#### 1971

Axel Springer's first book „Von Berlin aus gesehen" („Seen from Berlin") is published. It

Axel Springer lays the foundation stone of the Berlin headquarters in the presence of Willy Brandt, mayor of Berlin, and the Federal Minister Ernst Lemmer on 25 June 1959.

http://www.axelspringer.com/englisch/geschich/inhalte/as/lebensla/lebensla.htm

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Axel Springer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Page 1 of 1

# Axel Springer

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

**Axel Springer** (d. May 2, 1912, Hamburg - September 22, 1985, West Berlin), was a German journalist and the founder of the Axel Springer Verlag publishing house.

Springer was born as **Axel Cäsar Springer** in Hamburg, where his father worked as publisher.

Springer's career started with the foundation of *Axel Springer GmbH* in Hamburg in 1947. He published the *Hamburger Abendblatt* newspaper, followed by some magazines, including the popular radio and TV programme magazine *Hör zu*. In 1952, Springer started the publication of the tabloid *Bild*, becoming the daily newspaper for millions in Germany and one important influence on public opinion.

He went on to launch and acquire a string of papers - most resolutely anti-intellectual, in line with his comment that too much reflection was bad for Germans - and magazines characterised by entertainment and conservative politics. The Axel Springer Verlag today is one of the major magazine and newspaper publishers in Germany with over 180 newspapers and magazines in circulation- 23.7% of the German market in 1999.

In the late 1960s, Springer was attacked by the leftist students movement for the political opinion pushed forward via *Bild* and the other Springer media and became the goal of their protest marches and direct actions. Springer was swift to denounce those who questioned the economic miracle of the fifties and sixties. The attempted assassination of Rudi Dutschke has been connected to *Bild*'s condemnation of the protesters.

Springer's *Bild* newspaper was attacked most famously in 1974's *Die Verlorene Ehre der Katharina Blum* by Heinrich Böll.

Springer died in West Berlin in 1985.

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axel_Springer"

Categories: 1912 births | 1985 deaths | Newspaper publishers of the 20th century | Mass media owners

- This page was last modified 11:21, 14 July 2005.

- All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License (see Copyrights for details).

7/26/2005