Berichte und Studien.: Asylanten und auslAndische Studenten in Sachsen-Anhalt 1945a1970

Policy towards foreigners living in the German Democratic Republic was determined by both proletarian internationalism and national interests of GDR’s foreign policy. Referring to fugitives from Spain, Greece, Iran, former members of the French Foreign Legion and students coming from developing countries, Frank Hirschinger proves this discrepancy by regarding Sachsen-Anhalt respectively GDR’s districts Halle and Magdeburg. Hirschinger demonstrates, that granting asylum for certain groups of fugitives was instrumentalized for political purpose and was in fact determined by priorities of GDRs foreign policy. Beyond official propaganda foreigners living in the GDR faced a lack of understanding and political distrust. A dense network of education and welfare was created, because foreigners were regarded as cadres for a potentially socialist development of their countries and should also be controlled. Moreover intense supervision was exerted by political institutions and GDRs secret service. By that foreigners became either victims or perpetrators of political repression. This title includes German text.