West German Espionage Chief Fired : Spy Scandal Widens, Labeled Worst in Republic’s History

The head of West Germany’s chief intelligence agency was fired today in a growing spy scandal called the worst in the federal republic’s history.

An official announcement was expected Thursday. In an interview broadcast by West German television tonight, Heribert Hellenbroich announced his dismissal as espionage chief.

“The decision has been taken. As a civil servant, I have to accept it,” Hellenbroich, 48, said in the television interview.

Government sources had said Chancellor Helmut Kohl decided to dismiss Hellenbroich because he permitted Hans-Joachim Tiedge, the head of West Germany’s counterespionage against East Germany, to keep his job despite a serious drinking problem and debts.

Tiedge defected to East Germany last week.

Reasons Unrevealed

In the television interview, Hellenbroich insisted that he had legitimate reasons for his handling of the Tiedge case.

“Unfortunately, I cannot disclose the reasons that determined my actions,” Hellenbroich said. “This for me is a very bitter, painful experience.”

West German television reported that Hellenbroich would be replaced by Hans-Georg Wieck, the West German ambassador to NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Meanwhile, Swiss police, acting on a tip from West Germany’s counterintelligence agency, arrested a German couple on suspicion of spying for East Germany, the Swiss federal prosecutor’s office announced today.

Paid for Activities

A statement from the Bern prosecutor said the couple “made previous trips to West Germany to lead (other) agents and were paid for their spy activities.” It did not identify the couple or indicate when the trips took place.

An office spokesman, Roland Hauenstein, refused to say whether the couple were East German or West German, or add clarification. The statement said the arrests were made Sunday in Lucerne.

In London, another East German couple was charged with espionage under the Official Secrets Act today, Scotland Yard said, but no information or allegations were disclosed.

Reinhard Schulze, 32, and his wife, Sonja, 35, made a one-minute appearance in Horseferry Road Magistrates Court and were ordered held without bail. A further court appearance was set for next Wednesday.

Scotland Yard said they were charged with committing “espionage on or before Aug. 23.”