How could you do that?

Since 1933, the Berlin-Tegel radio transmitter with its associated broadcasting mast had been in operation. In April 1945 it was occupied by the Red Army. Later on, the Soviet-controlled Berliner Rundfunk transmitted its programme from there. When Berlin-Tegel Airport was opened for the continuous operation of the airlift in early December of 1948, French City Commander General Jean Garneval repeatedly requested the Soviet side to dismantle the broadcasting mast. The 86-metre high broadcasting mast posed a threat to the air traffic safety of the new airport. After two weeks without a response, the French General had the mast demolished on 16 December. When the Soviet City Commander asked him with outrage “How could you do that?”, Garneval is said to have replied: “With dynamite”.