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5: CASE STUDY 2: THE CZECH/AUSTRIAN BORDER
strating the route the escapee are likely to have used (Figure 99–100). But
the reports of failed crossings are in the majority. The net was often too
difficult to get through.
Figure 99–100: Map and photo
which were part of a report of a
breach through the border zone
between Čižov and Lukov in 1968.
The person or persons, who scaled
the fence using a window frame,
made it across to Austria. Military
Archives Brno.
Voices from Austria
As the fence line was generally placed several kilometres within Czechoslovakian
territory it was often not seen from the Austrian side. The
knowledge of its presence was however widespread. From the Austrian side
there was generally little interest in the communist neighbour hiding
behind secure fencing. As in many other border areas crossing over to buy
cheaper products was done occasionally but it depended on the political
situation and often it was difficult to cross.
Michael was brought up in Vienna, around 50 km from the border to
Czechoslovakia. He is a lawyer by profession but it is in his spare time that
he has developed an interest for the former militarised border. He answers
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