Letter to the President of the German Democratic Republic, Mr. Wilhelm Pieck, and the Prime Minister of the Government of the German Democratic Republic, Mr. Otto Grotewohl

Source: Tom 18

Permit me to greet you and, in your persons, the German people on the formation of the German Democratic Republic and the election of the first as President and the second as Prime Minister of the German Democratic Republic.

The formation of the German democratic peace-loving republic is a turning point in the history of Europe. There can be no doubt that the existence of a peace-loving democratic Germany alongside the existence of the peace-loving Soviet Union excludes the possibility of new wars in Europe, puts an end to bloodshed in Europe, and makes impossible the enslavement of European countries by world imperialists.

The experience of the last war showed that the greatest sacrifices in this war were borne by the German and Soviet peoples, that these two peoples possess the greatest potentialities in Europe for accomplishing great acts of worldwide significance. If these two peoples display the determination to fight for peace with the same exertion of their forces with which they waged war, then peace in Europe may be considered assured.

Thus, in laying the foundation for a united, democratic, and peace-loving Germany, you are at the same time doing a great deed for all of Europe, ensuring it lasting peace.

You may rest assured that in following this path and strengthening the cause of peace, you will find great sympathy and active support from all peoples of the world, including the American, English, French, Polish, Czechoslovak, and Italian peoples, not to mention the peace-loving Soviet people.

I wish you success on this new, glorious path. Long life and prosperity to a united, independent, democratic, peace-loving Germany!

I. STALIN

October 13, 1949

Pravda, October 14, 1949.