COMMUNISTS: Comrade Eisler's Turn?

COMMUNISTS Comrade Eisler's Turn?

Communist leaders in East Germany grew sick with apprehension. Premier Otto Grotewohl publicly admitted that "temporary difficulties" had disorganized the supply of butter, margarine, sugar and meat. Then he made a public promise that sent the specter of Rudolf Slansky howling down the corridors of East German government departments: "[We] will ruthlessly remove all mistakes and shortcomings . . . Those who are guilty will face the consequences."

The first head fell quickly. Dr. Karl Hamann, 49, Minister of Trade and Supply, was sacked and jailed for "bad and bureaucratic work"; his assistant, Rudolf Albrecht, State Secretary for...

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