CAB128-94_A1b — Page 227

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 227

Cogent arguments had been advanced by Lord Wilberforce and others in favour of resting on the decision taken by the then Government in 1948 not to mount further war crimes trials.

The Cabinet

Took note.

NFIDENTIA

ļ

HOME AFFAIRS

War Widows' Pensions

THE PRIME MINISTER said that she had discussed with

leagues most closely concerned the response to be made to the hg campaign for increased pensions to be paid to the widows servicemen killed before 1973. A number of details remained to be considered, including coverage of any proposals and the possible implications for others, for example the widows of police officers and other public service employees. It would be necessary to find a basis for confiring any concession made to war widows. Nevertheless, she hoped that the Government would be able

an announcement before Christmas.

The Cabine

Took note.

CONFIDEN

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

German Democratic

Republic

Previous

Reference:

OC (89) 35.3

3. THE FOREIGN AND COMMONMENTH SECRETARY said that the situation in East German

hinued to change rapidly. Herr Egon Krenz had resigned from last remaining post as Head of State. Only Prime Minister o continued to command support, though his previous history as st Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party in Dresden counted cast him. There had been an outbreak of general protest against corruption within the Party. Demonstrations had taken place if the streets, and some offices - and according to one report a mNitary barracks - had been broken into. The Embassy in East Berlin had reported that the mood in the country had become much uglier. Although law and order had not broken down, and the situation was not expected to turn into a full-scale popular uprising, (the situation was likely to remain unsettled for some time to good for European stability.

This was not

In a brief discussion, it was pointed out that he was a shortage of non-Communists experienced in govern whom the new leaders in Eastern Europe could turn for advice at the present stage. For the West to intervene directly and help now would cut across the lines of different ti between the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Warsaw Pact.

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