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GV Airlift monument in Berlin
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GV Guests arriving
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3.
SV The Brandts arrive followed by Security and Press (3 shots)
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CU People applaud
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CU Brandt applaud
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CU Guests listen
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LV Brandt speaking
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GV PAN Audience applaud
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Initials AE/18.14 AE/18.25



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Herr Willy Brandt, who resigned as West German Chancellor last Monday (6 May) was in fighting spirit when he returned to West berlin for a one day visit on Saturday (11 May).

It was in West Berlin where he really began his rise to political fame. he went back to attend a West Berlin City Government reception making the 25th anniversary of the 1949 lifting of the Soviet Blockade of the city, of which he was governing Mayor from 1957 to 1966.

Before going to Tempelhef Airport, scene 25 years ago of the biggest airlift of food and fuel in the history of aviation, Herr Brandt spoke at a rally of his Social Democratic Party. He was given a standing ovation by over 1,000 officials and party workers.

He told them he was "no plaster saint", but denied accusations that he had countenanced the use of public funds for his private use. He added: "Certain forces are at work trying to destroy me morally and thus strike at my policies and my Party".

He went on: "But I will not succumb to the despicable methods which certain opponents are using to bring me down, and I know that the decent people of Germany are on my side".

Speaking publicly for the first time about the situation since East German spy Guenter Guillaume was caught amongst his close aides, Herny Brandt said: "An agent in the Chancellery should not be an excuse for the opposition or for the opposition or for the hardliners in East Berlin not to carry out agreements or torpedo the policy of detente."
Later, at Tempelhef Airport, Herr Brandt told the large gathering, who had enthusiastically received the Brandts, that the 1948-49 airlift by British and Americans which forced the Soviets to end their 11-month blockade had laid the foundations for a political and moral alliance between West Germany and the Western victors of the second World War.

He said: "The and now, there can be no security for us without two United States". He added the United States also depended on the partnership forged in those days.