East Germany
Strategic Concepts & Mechanics
Primary Evidence
"The disintegration of the Soviet Union, combined with apparent return of East Germany to democracy and to capitalism, stirred the strategic as well as the emotional fires in Peter Munk’s European soul. As he puts it, “Geopolitical events bring with them major economic changes—and that’s the time to make big money.” He immediately understood that there would be opportunities to restore Berlin to its prewar grandeur, and to do so profitably. Another possibility was to acquire and develop lands close to and within the social and economic orbit of Berlin."
"Suddenly, however, Kléber is going to wake up. The V 10 runs well. Very well, in fact. Bulgaria, East Germany, and Yugoslavia buy the license. Kléber’s aviation tires equip not only the Caravelle and Mirage but also the Concorde and Boeing 747 (as they will soon equip Airbus). The Paris Stock Exchange discovers the old Colombes company with eyes like Chimène. Financial analysts readily present it as a growth stock. The stock prices soar. The cash flow, indeed, progresses faster than the sales. Huvelin has embarked on an ambitious investment program in France (Toul) and in Saar (Saint-Ingbert) which is expected to bear fruit soon. In the French tire market, Kléber’s penetration rises to nineteen percent in the years 1969-1970. In Germany, it approaches ten percent."