Expectation is increasing that Moscow intends to sign a separate peace treaty with its East German stooges, perhaps before the end of the year, thus provoking a new crisis in West Berlin. This is what prompted Defense Secretary Robert S. McNamara, just back from a quick, two-day inspection trip to West Germany, to publicly remind Nikita Khrushchev that the U.S. intends to use nuclear arms, if necessary, to defend its "vital interest" of access to the city.
The U.S. may soon give the same message to Khrushchev personally. West Berlin Mayor Willy Brandt, on his way to talks with President...