Wall Open Again: Berliners Visit Over Holiday
Wall Open Again: Berliners Visit Over Holiday
Residents of west Berlin wait through a wet and long night for the hated wall of shame to be opened to West Berlin. Only during the holiday season does the Communist authorities allow border crossings and its a major event. Babies who have never been seen by their relatives are among those who make the pilgrimage. Opening the borders at Christmas is not an entirely act of good-will, on the part of the Communist authorities. They exact fees for permits and a few well placed marks cuts much of the red tape. Few West-Berliners don't hesitate to pay this tribute when they can visit mothers, fathers and others languishing behind the Iron Curtain. TLS/MSs people standing in line with umbrellas, night. Nice TLS several Volkswagen Beetles traveling along wet cobblestone road, night, glare on pavement from headlights. TLSs cars passing through gate, security guard wearing rain poncho waving them through. TLS/MSs people walking, standing in line while passing border on rainy night; nice shot boy with baby stroller (pram, carriage). TLS pilgrims walking along street, rainy day. Rear view TLS people walking, passing sign that reads, "You Are Now Leaving British Sector." Rear view TLS people walking, passing sign that reads, "You are now leaving the American sector." TLS/MSs people crossing border, passing metal obstacles designed to rip the bottoms & treads of any vehicles dumb enough to try & crash the border.