CIA Information Report, 'Berlin as of 5.00 p.m., 9 July 1953'

CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY

INFORMATION REPORT

Country: East Germany Report No. [Excised]
Subject : Berlin Situation as of 5 PM, 9 July 1953
Date Distr. 10 July 1953 No. of Pages: 1
Date of Info.: [Excised] Requirement No.: [Excised]
Place Acquired: [Excised] References

The source evaluations in this report are definitive.
The appraisal of content is tentative.
(for key see reverse)

Source: [1 Line Excised]

1. While general unrest exists, no demonstrations have taken place. The East Sector is quiet and the streets are normally full. According to one report a state of partial strike exists at the Oberspreewerk and no work in being done at the Stalin Allee. Another report, however, states that the work at the Stalin Allee is being performed as usual. Unrest appears to be less noticeable in East Berlin than in the surrounding areas, specifically Hennigsdorf.
2. There are strong indications that the workers will stage a series of slowdown and sit-down strikes with the object of demanding the easing of the tight food situation, which is deteriorating, and the release of the 17 June prisoners. There appears to be considerable sentiment in East Berlin against the West for not taking a more positive stand e.g., “If the West only sends protest notes, we will just have to help ourselves,” “You can't impress the Russians with negotiations.”
3. The KVP alert police units in East Berlin have been considerably reinforced in the past few days. They are patrolling the city in strength.

[Excised] Comment: The government is well aware of the mood of the population. [1/3 Line Excised] subscribes to the view expressed in paragraph one [1/2 Line Excised] which holds that the government, anticipating further outbreaks, opened the border so that Western agents can be blamed for any future trouble. This would provide a pretext for the permanent sealing of the border.