President. I wish to speak today on a subject over which we in Congress have great control with respect to Berlin. The President will be addressing himself to the defense question and the diplomatic question tomorrow and the next day. but he may not address himself to the subject of refugees from East Germany. It is that subject which should be high on the agenda of events relating to Berlin. The current development of the crisis over Berlin has been featured by a new surge of refugees and escapees from East Germany. This year. the weekend report tells us. the rate is almost 1.100 a day. That is the number registered for the 24 hours ending at noon on Sundayjust yesterdayJuly 23. 1961. This gives rise to an estimate of 300.000 refugees from East Germany alone for 1961. This is to be compared with the figure of 200.000 for 1960at least a 50percent increase. These refugees are said to be the youngest and the most skillful of East Germany. They are of the type who seek opportunity in the free world. The basic significance of this new exodus from an East Germany in the grip of a Communist puppet regime has been analyzed many times. and quite properly. as an escape from the Communist "prison." Right now. obviously. there is in East Germany a ferment and disquiet over the dangers which the Sovietinspired crisis presents for the peoples of Middle Europe.
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refugees