396.1 LO/10–854: Telegram
The United States High Commissioner for Germany (Conant) to the Department of State 1
995. Thursday’s Bundestag debate on London conference dealt mainly general issues; SPD avoided detailed criticism London agreements on sovereignty except for contention they tended establish Federal Republic as separate State, and insinuation that allied agreement to give up emergency and other occupation powers not genuine. Coalition also avoided detailed commentary London agreements, preferring wait until details worked out. Coalition laid main weight its argument on contention that agreements ended link between Federal Republic’s military contribution and restoration of sovereignty contained in former treaties, overcame danger US withdrawal from Europe brought closer British commitment to continent, provided basis toward further development Europe unity and reestablished western commitments on reunifications and security of Berlin. Emphasis of debate gradually drawn away from London talks through SPD concentration on reunification issue. Debate made public what already apparent in private talks, that SPD and coalition analysis international situation differ so widely that foreign policy cooperation out of question for foreseeable future.
Coalition arguments this subject similar those of four-year EDC debate, claiming no progress reunification possible before Federal Republic brought western powers to accept reunification as one of their own major policy aims and Western Europe became strong enough compel Soviet respect. SPD did not attack NATO and Brussels pact solutions as such, as it did EDC, but insisted present best moment for negotiations with USSR on unity in light current relaxation international tension and contention future will bring greater increase in Soviet than in western power.
[Page 1385]Chancellor in top form, gave possibly his best Bundestag speech. Through adroit maneuvering he forced SPD to discuss in detail its concepts of “allianceless” foreign policy for a united Germany and its membership in a security system with Soviet Union. While informed public aware these SPD views and many intellectuals share them, general public not yet prepared such far-reaching approach and coalition now in position demonstrate absurdity SPD’s thesis (as simplified by Chancellor) that United Germany should be defended by Soviet Union. Chancellor’s success in drawing SPD into position where he could tar them with neutralist sentiments also permitted coalition send SPD motion asking for four-power talks to set up European defense system to committee, thus avoiding situation in which coalition would have had to vote against having talks on unity.
Other points of interest included in debate were Dehler’s complete capitulation and return to coalition fold as loyal member (for moment). Unanimity of Bundestag on Saar also noteworthy— economic concessions yes, political concessions no.
Frequent coalition statements concerning continued interest in progress towards European unity appeared be more than lipservice, especially those of CDU. Coalition clearly showed new confidence and solidarity from restoration momentum in foreign policy matters resulting from London conference.
- Repeated to London and Paris.↩