Despite disagreements on other is sues, West Germany's major parties have religiously respected the Federal Republic's No. 1 political taboo that Bonn should never consider or discuss recognition of the East German regime of Communist Boss Walter Ulbricht. Now that shibboleth of two decades has been demolished. In search of a campaign issue in next September's national elections, the Free Democratic Partywhich has shucked its old conservative image for a daring almost New Left look has already declared that it favors recognition of East Germany. Last week, in a slightly hedged manner, Willy Brandt's Social Democrats also came...
West Germany: Demolishing a Shibboleth
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