Reds Seal Off East Berlin (PJW)

August 14, 1961
BERLIN - Two months ago, First Secretary of East Germany Walter Ulbricht declared there was no intention to construct a wall on the inner Berlin border to prevent the flow of refugees into West Germany. The actions of Soviet soldiers and East German police have proved otherwise.

Shortly after midnight, the Red Army oversaw the closing of the Berlin border, and by the morning East German engineers and police had gotten to work. Streets were torn up to prevent the passage of vehicles, and barbed wire fencing was installed. Engineers, bricklayers, and stonemasons began laying the foundation for a wall which will provide a concrete barrier between East and West. The presence of the Soviet Army discouraged rioting and protests, along with keeping an eye on American soldiers across the border.

However, western soldiers and diplomats are not barred from entering East Berlin at the moment. Western traffic is permitted to enter Berlin through Friedrich Crossing Point. However, given that First Secretary Nikita Khrushchev's ultimatum still remains, it is possible that this border checkpoint could be closed at his deadline of December 31.

President Byrd has remained resolute to his promise of putting the security of the United States first. "While my predecessor may have run into this situation guns blazing, a much more measured response is needed here," the president told reporters. "[Secretary of State] Fulbright and I are closely monitoring the situation. We will not be needlessly endangering the lives of any Americans."