Small Hope Of Resuming Four Power Rule In Berlin

Chronicle (Levin), 3 December 1948, Page 5

Small Hope Of Resuming Four Power Rule In Berlin

(N.Z.P.A.-

-Reuter,

Copyright)

Re.ceiyed Friday, 9.35 a.pi. J>ONPQN, Dbc, 2, Colonel Frank L. Howley, United States commandant in. Berlin, expressed the opiniQn that it was not worthwhile trying to resume FourPower Governnjent in Beflin. He a.dded: "I would like a retqrn to Four-Power rule in Berlin, bii.t j there is no seiise tq that if the1 Russians break all future agree-j ments" as they have done in' the | past. One word cou.ld end Jhe blockade, f)ut liaye you any other ideas about how to get that word out of the Kremlin?" The two Goyernraents of Berlin — the legal administratian in the Western sector and the Comniunist regime established in the East— met separately in Berlin today. Complete secreey surrounded the Communist session, where only re>r porters of the official Russian paper and Russian-sponsored news agency were admitted. The ■Western meeting was open to all. The Associated Press correspondent- says that the Eastern Magistrat has adopted the foliowing programme : — Firstly, the allocation of 18001bs of coal to each household jn Berlin.Secondly," an increase in electric power in all homes by 75 per cent. Thirdly, the issue of speeial Christmas rations for all Berliners. Fourthly, to give Berliners in the Western sectors half a pound of candles each (a sarcastic reminder of how the homes have been darkened since the Russian blocjs^de). Fifthly, to carry out the impiediate socialisation of industry in the Soviet sector. Sixthly, to expropriate Nazi property and institute a school of reform in the Russian style.