Hamburger Abendblatt, Monday, 19 December 1949
Scheduled winter manoeuvres are continuing in the Truppenübungsplatz Senne involving elements of Panzerdivision 1, Panzerdivision 12, and Panzergrenadier Division 11.
Berlin, The Cabinet Meeting Room, Tuesday, 20 December 1949
The debate around the meeting table had gone on for nearly half-an-hour, far longer than matters requiring the Cabinet’s attention normally took. Then, the Rheinbote program was a radical change in Germany’s defence posture, requiring significant investment over and above the costs of the missile system itself. Blank, the Defence Minister, had Dehler, the Foreign Minister squarely in his corner, together with Niklas, Minister of Labour. The chief opponent was Fritz Schäffer, the Minister of Finance, who objected on the question of costs; Höcherl, the youthful Minister of Agriculture, supported him. Blank returned to the offensive,
“Gentlemen, there is intelligence that the British have already begun work on a similar project, associated with the recently-renamed Guided Weapons Department. Given the long-term development timeline for Rheinbote every month we delay puts us further behind them. We must begin the first phase of implementation now.”
Von Hapsburg spoke, “Herr Chancellor, I move that the Cabinet approve the Defence Minister’s proposal regarding the Rheinbote programme.” To their surprise, Wildermuth, the Minister of Transport seconded the motion.
Adenauer called for a formal vote and the measure carried, only Schäffer, Höcherl, and Hans Ehard, the long-serving Minister of Posts being in opposition. “It is decided then. We shall proceed with the first phase. What’s next?”
Cruiser Novara, Berbera Harbour, Wednesday, 21 December 1949
Each of the vessels of the East Asia Squadron saluted the Danish warships in Berbera as they entered, and followed instructions regarding their anchorage. As soon as practicable awnings were rigged to provide some defence against the oppressive heat, Rogge and his captains made ready for the traditional round of visits while the ships’ supply officers updated their lists of items required. Here they would wait for a few days until word was received regarding their move to their next destination.