Word: brandts
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...obvious next step for Brandt was to conclude a treaty with Czechoslovakia. Following this, similar pacts would be signed with Hungary and Bulgaria, and Brandt's goal of rapproachement with the European Communist bloc would be achieved. The treaty with Czechoslovakia is particularly significant because it will void the last agreement made between the two countries, the Munich pact of 1938, by which Hitler annexed the Sudeten region of Czechoslovakia, paving the way for eventual conquest of the entire nation. The bitter history of Czech-German relations makes it likely that this treaty will indicate to Hungary and Bulgaria that...
...that the Allied agreement of 1971 does not mean that institutions of West Berlin, such as courts and business corporations, are part of the German Federal Republic, and they refuse to grant permission for a West German embassy in Prague to represent these institutions. This was unacceptable to Brandt, and after the second postponement it appeared that the possibility of a treaty with Czechoslovakia was dead, and that the Ostpolitik would not be concluded...
...Brandt, however, has retreated from his position, after substantial pressure from factions within his coalition government. He is no longer insistent that the Berlin problem be resolved now, and has acceded to the Czechoslovakian proposal that the treaty be signed first. After diplomatic relations are instituted, Prague has said that it will be willing to enter into discussions on the question of Berlin. Thus Brandt will sign the treaty on Thursday and continue with the conclusion of Ostpolitik, the Berlin issue still unsettled...
...BRANDT's FAILURE to stand fast in his position on Berlin represents a major break in German policy since the Second World War. There is no reason to think that Prague will suddenly give in to German requests, once the two countries are on a normal diplomatic basis. Negotiations on the subject will probably begin, and continue a long time into the future, with no resolution of the problem. In the meantime, a West German embassy will have been established in Prague, and it will not be representing West Berlin...
...Willy Brandt and his government apparently regard completion of the Ostpolitik as their first priority, and are willing to achieve this at any price. This may be fine for the West German main state, but it is a serious blow to the legal status of West Berlin...