Dokumentation
Maker: Unknown
Date Made: after August 8th, 1979
Country: German Democratic Republic; West Germany
Materials: paper; photograph paper; tape
Measurements: 30 cm x 21 cm x .4 cm; 11 13/16 in x 8 1/4 in x 3/16 in
5 page yellow paper document to record the Aktion "Korso", or "Korso" protest, that occurred at Checkpoint Charlie. The document is holepunched and bound with clear tape, and is comprised of 16 numbered black and white photographs that depict what occured during the protest. Aktion "Korso" was an antinuclear demonstration lead by West Berliners who staged a sit-in at Checkpoint Charlie and caused disruption to regular checkpoint proceedings. The photographs show banners being carried that call for nuclear disarmament and for the end of "atom terror" (photos 2, 14). Also depicted are protestors blocking traffic (photo 6, 10) and border guards working to ensure that traffic continues to pass through the checkpoint, in some cases attempting to physically dragging them off (photos 10, 11, 12). The checkpoint was obstructed by protestors sitting on the road in the shape of a huge peace sign and otherwise occupying the GDR territory just across the white line that divided East and West Berlin (photos 8, 9). It is likely that this documentation was part of a binder which included other reports on the various incidents and protests that took place at Checkpoint Charlie over the years. Perhaps it was used to gather information on the identity of the individuals involved in protests, or to teach border guards how to deal with demonstrators at the checkpoint.
Accession Number: 2017.015.016
Collection/Series: Peter Bochmann Border Guard Collection