East Wary of West German Aid Offer

East German newspapers today appeared to dismiss West Germany’s offer of massive financial aid, and Mikhail S. Gorbachev reaffirmed his opposition to German reunification and sharply criticized Westerners who suggest that socialism has failed.

Activity on the western side of the Brandenburg Gate at dawn suggested that an early opening of the symbol of German unity as an East-West crossing point was likely.

But there were no signs of construction work on the eastern side of the Berlin Wall, and West German police said their East German colleagues had told them not to expect an opening during the course of the day.

Opening the Brandenburg Gate is clearly a sensitive one for East Germany, given the symbolism of the six-column Grecian arch, scene of Prussian and Nazi triumphal parades.

Diplomatic sources said the Soviets are likely to be playing a significant role in East-West negotiations about opening the gate, which spans the main trunk road through the heart of Berlin.

Economist Karl-Heinz Arnold told the Communist Party newspaper Berliner Zeitung that East Germany can manage its own economic recovery, an indication that Bonn’s conditional aid offer may be rejected.

“I don’t see any need to dramatize the internal or external financial situation” of East Germany, Arnold said.

The government newspaper Bauern Echo, aimed at East Germany’s farmers, warned of becoming too greatly influenced by West Germany.

“Yes to unrestricted travel. No to an East German sellout,” the paper declared. “Yes to meeting again, no to reunification. The two German states are politically and economically too diverse.”

There was no official response from the government to West Germany’s offer, which would require East Germany’s ruling Communists to fundamentally reform their centrally planned economy. Communist officials have made it clear that they do not favor a full free-market system.

Gorbachev for the second day warned Westerners not to expect German reunification.

“Talking about reunification would mean interference in the affairs of West Germany and of the German Democratic Republic,” Gorbachev said in a speech to a student meeting.

Gorbachev said Westerners who claim the changes in the East signify the failure of socialism are engaging in “wishful thinking.” He did not say who he was referring to. “We are expanding the potential of the socialist social system,” he said.