Test Drive

The historic Big Four agreement signed two weeks ago in West Berlin guarantees the unimpeded flow of goods and travelers between the former German capital and West Germany, 110 miles away. TIME'S Kenneth Danforth was one of the first motorists to test the new arrangements. He found:

> A drastic reduction in formalities. There were no searches, no papers to sign, no lines to stand in. Non-Germans must pay a transit fee ($1.58), but Germans pass through at no cost.

> New politeness on the part of the previously hostile East German border guards. Instead of their martial jackboots, the guards have changed to civilian-style shoes. There was a reassuring absence of submachine guns.

> An easy exit. Rather than questions at the end of the East German Autobahn, Danforth's passport was quickly stamped, and he was allowed to drive unhindered into West Germany.

Danforth's trip took only 2 1/2 hours, v. an average four in the past.

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