West German Election, 1961

Archive Report

Electoral Decision in Time of Crisis

Influence of Berlin Crisis on 1961 Election

Communist action to seal the sector borders between West and East Berlin, interfering with the freedom of movement guaranteed by four-power agreements on the status of the city, has sharply intensified the long gathering Berlin crisis. It may also have had decisive effect on the outcome of the national elections to be held in West Germany on Sept. 17. In that contest Mayor Willy Brandt of West Berlin is challenging the bid of venerable Konrad Adenauer to continue in the post of Chancellor of the Federal Republic—an office which Adenauer has already held for 12 years.

Reactions of the two men to the new turn of events in Berlin have differed somewhat. Both have ...

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