January 20th, 1950
East Berlin, German Democratic RepublicMuch to the East German leadership's delight correspondence had been sent back from Cuba. Fidel Castro himself had taken time to write back a letter and by then any further correspondence became obvious. Castro. He was coming to the German Democratic Republic, even if just to develop diplomatic relations. Any allies, especially for Cuba, were bound to be valuable. Crowds, not only in Leipzig, but elsewhere throughout the DDR were growing fond of the Cuban struggle as well.
From: Wilhelm Pieck
To: Fidel Castro
I very much admire your dedication and am confident that you will continue leading the Cuban people down the correct path. After years of colonialist occupation by America I can only say you and your people will benefit greatly from this new found independence. The struggle is not without enemies, however, so in response I invite you and your closest advisers into the German Democratic Republic to further discuss diplomatic relations and perhaps an economic alliance. After years of war we too are trying to get back on our feet and certainly your country has resources that could potentially be beneficial to us, and vice versa.
In solidarity, Wilhelm Pieck
Even though the man didn't directly admit it, Wilhelm found himself growing fond of Fidel Castro. Certainly he strongly believed in his cause to have successfully led a revolution with only a small group of men. From what Wilhelm knew, that sort of thing took massive amounts of morale and dedication, both of which were clearly shining bright in the Cuban people. Attitudes across Europe seemed quite a bit different, judging by recent events in Poland. They seemed to have little interest in proletarian rule and even went as far as removing those who would ensure it. That made much of the East German leadership feel uneasy, but fortunately Moscow still seemed to have a grip on the situation.
Despite everything, there was still one issue that stuck out in the back of Wilhelm's mind. West Berlin. It was sitting fresh for the taking. Certainly it was a hotspot for NATO as it was situated right in the heart of the Iron Curtain, but Wilhelm knew it was German territory and not British, American, or anybody else's. It seemed like a long shot, but maybe the Americans themselves were even negotiable about it. Hoping for the best, Wilhelm decided to pen a letter to Truman anyway despite the rocky relations.
From: Wilhelm Pieck
To: Harry S Truman
This is an understandably sensitive issue, given our relations, but there has been growing sentiment among the German people to keep Berlin under German control. It has been considered the German capital for centuries so has quite significant value to all of us, both East and West German alike. Due to that we kindly ask that British and American troops withdraw from the city. If West German troops wish to stay, however, then perhaps that is a negotiation we can make.
Signed, Wilhelm Pieck, President of the German Democratic Republic
