Khrushchev's Berlin Ultimatum

• To end the refugee problem, Khrushchev wanted Berlin to become part of East Germany and for western powers to leave
• In November 1958, Khrushchev demanded that the Western countries should recognise East Germany as an independent country but they refused
• On 27 November Khrushchev issued his ultimatum
• The Ultimatum demanded that Western troops should leave Berlin and Berlin should become a free city
• If the West had not agreed to the ultimatum within six months, Khrushchev said he would hand over control of all routes into Berlin to the government of East Germany
• The West was outraged and accused Khrushchev of trying to spread communism
• The West did however agree to a number of summits to discuss the refugee problem