Sacked General Restored To N.a.t.o. Post (Press, 3 February 1984)

On 3 February 1984, West German Chancellor Dr Helmut Kohl reinstated General Guenther Kiessling, who had been dismissed amidst a scandal related to accusations of his alleged frequenting of homosexual bars. This incident raised concerns over potential blackmail, and the government faced considerable criticism. At a news conference in Bonn, Dr Kohl stated that the accusations made by military Intelligence were unfounded and that it was necessary to restore the general’s honour. General Kiessling had been serving as one of the deputies to NATO's Supreme Commander in Europe and was West Germany’s leading general in the alliance until his unexpected dismissal in December 1983. Following his removal, Kiessling affirmed under oath that he was not a homosexual, and subsequent statements from people who claimed to have seen him at a bar led to public doubts about the accusations. Defence Minister Manfred Woerner acknowledged on television that mistakes were made in handling the Kiessling affair but faced no repercussions from Dr Kohl, who defended him against calls for dismissal from the Opposition Social Democrats. Dr Kohl described Woerner as an "outstanding Minister" and confirmed that he had refused Woerner’s resignation, viewing it as unwarranted. Kiessling was formally reappointed to his position by the President of West Germany, Dr Karl Carstens, on Woerner’s recommendation. However, Kiessling later stated that his health would prevent him from resuming his duties, citing the mental toll of the intense scrutiny he endured during the scandal. He expressed in a letter to Woerner that fulfilling his role would require a level of energy he no longer possessed. Woerner mentioned that personal conflicts between Kiessling and General Rogers were not the primary reason for Kiessling's initial dismissal. The Social Democrats used the situation to challenge Dr Kohl’s leadership, suggesting that the government was being seen internationally as inept. They claimed that Dr Kohl retained Woerner's position out of fear of increasing influence from the Right-wing Christian Social Union in his Centre-Right Cabinet. Some commentators believed that the crisis was being exploited by the leader of the Social Union, Franz Josef Strauss, in an attempt to secure a ministerial position. In summary, the reinstatement of General Kiessling was part of Dr Kohl's efforts to manage a scandal that had implications for his government and to defend the integrity of his Defence Minister amidst growing political pressures.

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