Erich Honecker had hoped his official visit to Bonn in 1987 would be a spectacular validation of the GDR’s policy of recognition. But the desired effect did not materialize. Commentary within the GDR ranged from rejection to disappointment. A hardline approach toward dissenters did not sway general sentiment, nor did the harassment of people trying to leave the country reduce the number of applications – in fact, it had the opposite effect.