In the interview that follows, Peter Hilkes provides information about the Aussiedler and about those ethnic Germans who still remain in the former USSR. Much of what he has to say is insightful and revealing. As noted earlier, many officials and bureaucrats in Germany have come under attack for their handling of "the Aussiedler problem." Thus it is valuable to have someone like Peter Hilkes--who works with German immigration officials and bureaucrats on an almost daily basis--articulate his views and clarify the official policies of the Federal Republic of Germany.
During the interview, Peter Hilkes commented that the German-Russian Aussiedler presently have no spokesmen, "no outstanding persons who would present themselves in public and ask for special rights." But this situation undoubtedly will change. As the pressure for total assimilation into mainstream German society increases, the Aussiedler from the former Soviet Union will grow less accommodating, less patient, less restrained. It is only a matter of time until we hear emerging leaders of the Aussiedler proclaim: "Lass uns fur uns sprechen!--Let us speak for ourselves!" When that day finally dawns, we will hear the rest of the story.
Timothy J. Kloberdanz