September 8, 1960: Warnings on Berlin, Red China Progressing on A-bomb Work, Ike Says Soviet Space Work 'Soulless' and Cautions on Congo

Grave warnings on the future of Berlin surfaced in a newspaper report on this day in 1960. The Soviet Union plans to take "drastic measures" unless the West approves its proposal for German nuclear disarmament, according to an anonymous source, reported the New York Times. The threatened actions included a complete blockade of Berlin. The report also indicated that Communist China would soon build its first A-bomb.

Also on this day in 1960 President Eisenhower said the Soviet space effort was based on "soulless, barren technology ... ordered by a domineering bureaucracy" that was "grasping tat state imperialism." The U.S. effort, he said, was based on "restless probing for the betterment of humanity."

Newspapers reported today on President Eisenhower's warning to the Soviets about their involvement in the Congo. Saying he took a "serious view" of Moscow's plans to supply military equipment to the government headed by Patrice Lumumba. Eisenhower said Moscow had "political designs" on the Congo. President Joseph Kasavubu dismissed Lumumba from office on September 5 but it was reported today that lawmakers in the Congo had voted to overturn the presidential action.