Speech #870096191

Mr. President. last Sunday I appeared on the ABC network television and radio program. "Issues and Answers." In the course of that program one of the exchanges led to an unfortunate and erroneous impression of my views. When asked if I thought the West should make any concessions on the question of the flight of East German refugees to West Berlin. I responded that this. too. is something that could be discussed. becauseand this is the pointthe East Germans have the ability to control travel within East Germany. The imposition of tighter travel restrictions by the East Germans on travel of East German citizens within East Germany could restrict access of East German citizens to all of Berlin. thus depriving a large number of potential refugees from East Germanyas distinguished from East Berlinof this convenient means of escape. As I pointed out in the TV and radio interview. I know of no agreements to which the Western Powers are party which prohibit the East Germans from restricting the travel of East German citizens within East Germanyoutside of Berlin. It is to that point of reference that my response was intended in the interview. I certainly did not intend to imply that the West should execute any agreement whereby the West would assist in enforcing any restrictions imposed by East Germany on travel within East Germany nor that the West should consider changing existing agreements and consent to closing West Berlin to refugees wishing to enter. The right of persons to move freely within all sectors of Berlin is entirely another matter and is guaranteed by postwar agreements signed by the United States. Britain.