Section: Regio: Lower Silesia

AUSSCHNITT AUS DER UFA-WOCHENSCHAU VOM 8.12.1970: WILLY BRANDT IN WARSCHAU

EXTRACT FROM UFA-NEWSREEL FROM 8th OF DECEMBER 1970: WILLY BRANDT IN WARSAW

Germany, 1970, 3 Min

To start a war is simple, to conclude a peace treaty represents a huge challenge however, demanding as it does both political courage and humanity. Willy Brandt's Ostpolitik (or eastern policy) and his genuflection at the Memorial to victims of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising spoke of both remarkable statesmanship and an ability to act responsibly.

Brandt's genuflection represented a break with protocol: in the pictures of the newsreel one can see the reactions of the surprised and unprepared reporters and camera crews. After the Second World War Poles and Germans struggled towards understanding and reconciliation, and ultimately a new beginning. In the interim period, until the signing of the peace treaties and the recognition of the Oder-Neisse line as the state border between Germany and Poland, years of pain and fear passed. The chancellorship of Willy Brandt ushered in a new era of understanding, paving the way for reconciliation and a new political beginning with unprecedented humanity. In 1971 Willy Brandt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts at reconciliation between East and West. KM

Kamera
Luppa, Pahl

Produzent
Deutsche Wochenschau GmbH

Back to the section: Regio: Lower Silesia