We
central issues and the United States, which is one of the Four
Powers with special responsibility for Germany, would have to
take part from the outset, including the preparations.
cannot hope for progress on the central issues at present. The
"peace appeal" lays down unacceptable pre-conditions, relating
to matters such as European frontiers and recognition of two
German states, which would decide the outcome of a conference
before it started. There is no mention of the United States
in the call for an "All-European" conference. Plainly the
conditions for a successful conference do not exist at present.
Nonetheless, progress on these vital issues must remain the aim
of the Alliance.
39. I hope that I have been able to bring home that far from
the Alliance being an out-dated symbol of the Cold War and an
obstacle to improving East/West relations in this the
20th Anniversary year, we think that it has a valuable political
rôle to play in promoting ways of achieving a just and stable
order in Europe. But, meanwhile, of course, adequate defence
is essential.
40. Within the Atlantic Alliance we in the United Kingdom are
most eager to promote the greater unity of Europe, in the fields
of foreign policy and defence as well as in the economic field.
A more united Europe should be a stronger as well as a more
prosperous Europe, and a more valuable pillar of the whole
Alliance. A Europe of six countries only, excluding the United
Kingdom and the other states also applicants for membership of
the European Economic Community, could never achieve the full
potentialities of the continent.
15.
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