/specialCollection/BerlinWall/1961-Summer/1961-07-12c.pdf

SECRET - 4 - "All this would be apparent to the Soviets, and they would be encouraged to press ahead to exploit the Western disarray. In the face of Bloc pressures and allied disunity, it seems likely that the allies would eventually accept the same paper-stamping from the East Germans that they now accept from the Soviets. To avoid such a last minute change in our position under fire, it would be better to straighten out this issue beforehand." Air Access A related question is whether a substitution of "GDR" officials would be accepted in the Berlin Air Safety Center. This is not contemplated under presently agreed contingency planning. SECRET