Problem of refugees from the Soviet Zone of Germany

Resolution 161 (1959)

Author(s):

Parliamentary Assembly

Origin

(see Doc. 932, Report of the Committee on Population and Refugees). This Resolution was adopted by the Assembly at its 29th Sitting, on 21st January 1959

The Assembly,

Having regard to the uninterrupted flow of refugees from the Soviet Zone of Germany since the end of the war, the total of which now exceeds three millions

Considering that this influx is due to the policy of oppression pursued in that part of Germany;

Having taken note of the situation created by this continual exodus in the Federal Republic of Germany and West Berlin, on the one hand, and in the Soviet Zone of Germany, on the other hand;

Considering the political tension resulting from this situation in the heart of Europe;

Recalling its Resolution 153, which was adopted unanimously on 17th October 1958,

5.1 Calls the attention of the free world, and particularly that of the European nations and their Governments, to the tragic circumstances in which the people of the Soviet Zone of Germany are obliged to live;

5.2 Assures the refugees from that Zone, victims of the system of totalitarian oppression which has been forced upon them, and the authorities of the Federal Republic of Germany and of West Berlin, of its sympathy and solidarity;

5.3 Expresses its conviction that the problem of German refugees from the Soviet Zone is closely bound up with the settlement of the German problem and should thus be a matter of concern to the whole of Europe.