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NY 100-25857 On June 23, 1960, the United States Department of State, Washington, D.C., furnished information con- cerning the supyect in connection with his "Support of Soviet zone Regime". This information reflected that "After having previously indicated, over a period * of several years, an intention to visit East Germany, American singer Paul Robeson arrived in East Berlin June 18 to participate in the ‘third annual press festival," - sponsored by Neues Deutschland, official organ of the East German communist party (Sozialistische Einheitsparted Deutschlands, or SED). He appeared the same evening as featured artist during the ceremonies officially opening the festival, held a press conference the next day, appeared on a large public platform and mingled ~ _ with the crowd (closely accompanied by East German photographers and TV cameramen ) and left later (June 19) © by air for London. - "Although the formal opening of the ‘press festival! June 18 included a number of entertainers from various countries, Robeson was clearly the honored guest-performer. Master of ceremonies was Hermann fxen, chief editor of Heues PDeutschiand and a member of tae SED Politburs; other top level SED officials included representatives of the Central Committee, and notably Paul Verner (SED official well known for his close association with the current communist pressure on West Berlin). Robeson, introduced as 'comrade' and as ‘our great friend and model', told the audience that, since his father had been an American slave, he (Paul) was proud to have the opportunity to meet the ‘socialist press of the whole world' and to be a momhar af fha World Paara Mounet] His musical contrib uti cA AM dibb we wh as hd woh wa fe Thal Nal Nad ot ake le A£,-- BLAS oe be? A ok Tet er ee od, er ee to the occasion ended with a rendition, in the Russian language, of 'Fatherland, no enemy shail threaten you." ton ak