Barnes analyzes developments within the GDR following Stalin’s death. Although there was an initial period of confusion within the SED (Socialist Unity Party of Germany), it has been confirmed that Ulbricht is now directing SED and is continuing to implement socialization policy, though perhaps less dramatically than in the past. Barnes suggests that the Soviets may also be striving, to some extent, to decrease zonal tension.

In March 1953, Moscow had declined Ulbricht’s request for tightening up the sector border in Berlin, then the major loophole in the SED leadership’s efforts to seal off East Germany. In the aftermath of the demonstrations and unrest in Berlin, the SED leadership apparently tried to reintroduce the idea of increased “border security” in Berlin. Eager to salvage whatever was left of its political position as a champion of German unity, Moscow again held such measures as politically “disadvantageous” and “unacceptable.” Certainly, the Kremlin was also aware of the continued widespread resentment among the Berlin and GDR population which made any more restrictive measures a risky undertaking. Instead, the Soviets urged the SED to increase its “fight against hostile elements” in West Berlin—an issue that would become more and more the focus of Soviet attitude on Berlin.

Brzezinski Henryk and Comrade Berentz describe the aid North Korea has received from East Germany to reconstruct the city of Hamheung as well as the impact of the August 1956 Plenum on that city.

Rapacki asks for more information on the rumor regarding equipping the FRG (Federal Republic of Germany) with atomic weapons.

Rapacki discusses the interplay between Cuba, Poland and the FRG (Federal Republic of Germany) in regards to their diplomatic relations with one another.

Ivan Bashev presents a report on the CPSU-organized meeting in Warsaw, where Eastern European government officials exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East. Among the discussed topics were the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Yemeni Civil War, and recent developments in Iraq.

A description of the level of support for the West German government's ''Ostpolitik'' in various Western European countries

A copy of a memorandum entitled "current essential questions in the Soviet Union's Politics of Ensuring European Security" submitted by the GDR Ministry of Foreign Affairs' director of the Soviet Union Department to the directors of the West German and West European Departments for comment. The document outlines Soviet policy and goals towards West Germany and Western Europe in early 1968.

A report on the GDR's foreign relations with countries such as Cambodia, Iraq, and Sudan, as well as with West Germany.

An analysis written by the GDR's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the respective positions of European socialist states, socialist states in general, and NATO and other capitalist European states, on the organization of a European security conference, as well as guidance for carrying out the CSCE negotiations based upon an analysis of each side's perceived strengths and weaknesses

An analysis of the Warsaw Pact states' interests and goals in the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe negotiations, including discussion of the military, territorial, economic, cultural, and scientific-technical aspects of the negotiations.

A description and analysis of the United States' position on the European Security Conference as perceived by the GDR Ministry of Foreign Affairs

A report on Stage I of the CSCE prepared for the SED Politburo.

Notes on a conversation between the GDR and FRG foreign ministers on inter-German relations and the CSCE negotiations.

Notes of a conversation between GDR and FRG foreign ministers discussing their first meeting and future relations between the GDR and FRG.

An East German analysis of the first phase of the CSCE conference.

An assessment of a proposal submitted on 26 September 1973 with particular regard to the inviolability of frontiers.

A summary of a conversation in which Dr. Klaus Blech speaks of changes to frontiers, confidence-building measures, and the possible limits and results of CSCE treaties.

A memorandum of a conversation between Klaus Blech and Siegfried Bock, regarding the recognition of frontiers component of the CSCE negotiations.

An analysis of the November 1976 plenary session of the socialist countries' permanent commission of scientific institutions discussion about issues of European security and cooperation.