For the freedom of the press

After the raids, detentions and interrogations stemming from the »SPIEGEL scandal«, massive protests are staged throughout West Germany, especially by student groups. A panel discussion with journalists and politicians at the University of Hamburg’s lecture theatre B is planned for 31 October 1962. But this ends up having to be postponed by a day, after throngs of people descend on the event and tumultuous scenes result. Schmidt, now Interior Senator, is able to calm the worked-up crowd by megaphone only by expressly pledging his commitment to the fundamental principle of press freedom. The next evening, the event is able to take place in the much bigger auditorium; a police report strikes a relieved tone: »discussion to the point, applause not excessive«.