The images have become engrained: never-ending brotherly kisses at Moscow airport, flag-waving children by the side of the road, Erich Honecker with a serious expression on the red carpet in Bonn. Although trips by government officials were limited to other “brother countries” in the beginning, later there was a huge travel boom. The film gives insights into the world of the politburo’s government meetings and shows hitherto unpublished images. Politicians remember their impressions, former East German ambassadors, interpreters, and chiefs of protocol chat about the secrets of politburo-diplomacy.

 

-----------------

 

DVD recorded from DWTV in original German plus second recording in dubbed English.