THE BERLIN AIRLIFT

On February 1, 1948, Soviet authorities took a decisive step in the burgeoning Cold War by initiating efforts to jam the broadcasts of the Voice of America (VOA). At that time, VOA was a key instrument of U.S. public diplomacy, broadcasting news and perspectives that championed democratic ideals and free expression—messages that the Soviet regime viewed as ideologically subversive. Concerned that these Western narratives could inspire dissent and erode the tightly controlled flow of information within its borders, the Kremlin saw jamming as a necessary countermeasure. By disrupting the VOA signals, the Soviets aimed to limit the influence of American propaganda, thereby protecting their own narrative and consolidating control over public opinion in an era marked by intense political and cultural rivalry.

Because of constant Russian inspired turmoil in Berlin, plus no agreement
toward reunification, England and the United States meet in London and agree to consolidate their Berlin Sectors and call it West Berlin. They also agree to consolidate their Zones and establish a West German government with Bonn as the capital. France was initially reluctant to participate due to political changes in Paris, however, eventually France agrees in June of that year.

West Berlin and West Germany governments were to be established by Germans for Germans without allied military participation. Also, a new currency is issued to stimulate the economy. While this conference is going on the Communists take over the Czechoslovakia.

Soviet leaders in Germany are called back to Moscow for a meeting. At this meeting Soviet leader Joseph Stalin reportedly said, “Let’s see if we can force them out.” They returned on the 12th of March with instructions to regulate military access to and from Berlin.

Highway traffic on the Autobahn is interrupted, trains are stopped for searches and canal traffic is also harassed. These restrictions also increased on the one railroad line in to Berlin, the one road in, and all canals. The restrictions continued right up to the full blockade on June 26. The purpose of this effort was to eject the Western Allies from Berlin.

Soviets assert a right to board any and all trains heading for Berlin to inspect freight and check identity papers and also close all roads to Berlin. General Clay of the United States and British General Sir Brian H. Robertson sent 5 trains toward Berlin to test the Soviet resolve. Four of the trains were stopped and subsequently sent back to their zone by Soviet engines. One American trainmaster allows the search of his train and proceeds to Berlin. General Clay orders all trains stopped.

From April onwards Western licensed barge skippers on the German-wide network are detained, “because their papers are not in order.” All barge traffic is brought to a standstill.

Headquarters USAFE creates Berlin Airlift Task Force. General Joseph Smith at Wiesbaden is assigned commander and names it “Operation Vittles”. British Operation “Knicker” begins with a C-47 “Dakota” arriving at Gatow from Wunsdorf  at 0600 Hrs. In the next 24 hours 13 Dakotas fly 44 short tons of food to Berlin.

Two squadrons of (RAF) Sunderland flying boats begin operating from RAF Finkenwerder on the Elbe River. These corrosion resistant aircraft resist their cargo of salt.