Item COLD WAR 27/8 - Transcript of interview with Colonel William Heimlich, [1995]

Typescript transcript of interview with Col William Heimlich, US military intelligence in Germany, and head of Radio in American Sector (RIAS), 1948-1949, describing his arrival in Berlin in 1945 and conditions in the city; US and German attitudes towards the Soviet forces in Germany; the development of political leadership in Berlin, especially the rise of Ernst Reuter, Social Democrat Mayor of Berlin 1948-1953; the role of US Gen Lucius DuBignon Clay, US Military Governor in Germany, and Commander in Chief, US Forces in Europe, 1947-1949; US Soviet relations in Berlin; the establishment of RIAS, its activities and impact on the city, including its role in the mobilisation of the protest rally against Soviet expulsion of non-communist political parties from Berlin Rathaus,9 Sep 1948, broadcasting news of Soviet take over of Hungary and Czechoslovakia, effect on morale of West Berlinners during the Soviet blockade of West Berlin 1948-1949, and its use of local humour and satire; the role of propaganda in relations between Soviet forces and the Western Allies in Germany; the emergence of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberation, during the 1950s. 45pp