Ernst Thälmann Island or Ernst Thälmann Cay ( or ; or ) is a long and wide island in the Gulf of Cazones. In the 1970s, Cuba promised to donate an island in its archipelago to East Germany, and subsequently renamed what was then known as Cayo Blanco del Sur after German communist Ernst Thälmann. Because the island was not mentioned in later documents incorporating East Germany into reunified Germany, various parties have argued that it remains a territory of the former nation, but Cuba has rejected this argument and claims jurisdiction over it.

History

thumb|right|250px|[[East Berlin, 19 June 1972: Fidel Castro (left) handed over, after the signing of the communiqué, a Cuban map to Erich Honecker (centre). The map shows an island that bears the name "Ernst Thälmann", with the southern area named "GDR Beach" (, ).]]

During a 1970s state visit to East Germany, Cuban prime minister Fidel Castro promised that his country would donate an island to its communist ally. As part of a state visit in June 1972 by East German general secretary Erich Honecker, Castro renamed () in honour of German communist politician and activist Ernst Thälmann. East Germany's state television newscast ' reported on the ceremony and the unveiling of a bust of Thälmann in August 1972 in the presence of the East German ambassador, East German delegates, and Cuban representatives. In March 1975, the East German government sent singer Frank Schöbel to Cuba to make music videos. Film footage of the island was also shot, which was later included in a documentary emphasizing the island as a symbol of East German–Cuban friendship.

In 1990, the end of the Cold War led to the dissolution of the East German government, with its territory added the federal republic of West Germany, incorporating as unified Germany. However, the reunification treaty made no reference to Ernst Thälmann Island as one of the territories joining the combined nation, leading to arguments about its status. Neither of the German states controlled the island during or after the reunification.

See also

  • Canarreos Archipelago, near the island
  • Republic of Molossia

References

  • Spiegel Online: "Ernst-Thälmann-Insel – DDR unter Palmen"