The situation on November 9th, 1989

  • German chancellor Kohl is in Poland paying a state visit.
  • at about 7 PM. : The GDR declares an unlimited right to travel and leave the GDR.
  • Gorbachev ( in Moscow ) calls Kohl’s office in Bonn, asking for information about the lastest developments.
  • KGB reports : Soviet troops ( approx. 300.000 soldiers ) and installations in danger of being attacked.
  • Kohl reacts : No threats from any Germans, only want to use peaceful means to achieve freedom.
  • Gorbachev : Believes in Kohl / not in his own secret service !

    Henrik