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November 9, 1989

Conversation between Chancellor Helmut Kohl and Solidarity Leader Lech Walesa

In this extraordinary conversation, Solidarity’s leader fears the collapse of the Wall would distract West Germany’s attention - and money - to the GDR, at the time when Poland, the trail-blazer to the post-communist era in Eastern Europe, desperately needed both. "Events are moving too fast," Walesa said, and only hours later, the Wall fell, and Kohl had to cut his Poland visit short to scramble back to Berlin, thus proving Walesa’s fear correct.

November 10, 1989

Verbal Message from Mikhail Gorbachev to François Mitterrand, Margaret Thatcher and George Bush

Verbal message from Mikhail Gorbachev to François Mitterrand, Margaret Thatcher and George Bush regarding message sent to Chancellor Kohl appealing for measures to be taken to prevent destabilization of the situation

November 6, 1989

Conversation on GDR-FRG Economic Cooperation between Alexander Schalck and Egon Krenz

Note of conversation between East German leader Alexander Schalck and West German Minister of the Chancellery Rudolf Seiters on future economic cooperation between the two German states. The discussion makes clear that the East German economy will collapse without immediate and massive West German aid.

November 7, 1989

Minutes No. 49 of the Meeting of the SED Politburo

Minutes No. 49 of the Meeting of the SED Politburo concerning situation regarding GDR citizens leaving the country. The Politburo decides a new travel law will be developed in order to placate some of the popular demands.

November 9, 1989

Material for the Session/For Circulation in the Council of Ministers, Draft: Temporary Transition Rules for Travel and Permanent Exit from the GDR, Berlin

Draft resolution and press release announcing new temporary transition rules for travel abroad and permanent exits from East Germany.

November 9, 1989

Transcript of the Tenth Session of the SED Central Committee from 3:47 - 3:55 p.m.

Transcript of the Tenth Session of the SED Central Committee regarding the issue of new temporary travel regulations.

November 9, 1989

Günter Schabowski’s Press Conference in the GDR International Press Center 6:53 - 7:01 p.m.

Schabowski announces new travel regulations allowing permanent exit for East German citizens at all border crossing effective "immediately, without delay."

November 10, 1989

Verbal Message from Mikhail Gorbachev to Helmut Kohl

Verbal message from Mikhail Gorbachev to Helmut Kohl regarding the GDR’s decision to allow unrestricted travel to the FRG