TNAG-2185-FCO40-3122-Ethnic-minorities-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 142

3.

There is a general impression that a united Germany will emerge as a major power in Europe. What implications will this have on the security situation in Europe?

4.

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Will this have any bearing on the future of NATO?

It

For many years, we have lived with a Germany at odds with itself, its two halves members of two ideologically opposed blocks, and the Berlin wall a symbol of a divided Europe. is much, much better for Europe's security to have a peaceful, stable and democratic united Germany, which will play its full part in Europe and in Europe's institutions. Arrangements for German unification are of course absolutely essential to NATO's future. The Federal Republic of Germany is a full member of NATO, and we want to see a united Germany belong too. This would be in the interest of all of Europe.

5.

Do you think with the possible emergence of a united Germany, it is likely to be a major economic power in Europe? In what ways can it influence the future shape of the European Economic Community?

The decision to unite the two Germanies is one for the German people. Britain will support them. Of course a united Germany will be the major economic power in Europe. West Germany is already the most powerful European economy. We believe that integration of the territory of the CDR into the European Community as soon as possible after unification will benefit both Germany and the Community, which will forge ahead with its programme of work. At the top of this is achievement of the single internal market by 1992.

6.

Many people have the feeling that while Britain had always supported German unification in principle, of late you seem to be worried about the prospects of a united Germany taking shape soon. Is it true? What exactly are your

reservations?

Successive British Governments have firmly supported the principle that the Germans had the right to unification, on the basis of free self-determination. Our concern was not about this principle, rather that no forum had been agreed in which the important external aspects of the unification process could be discussed. This was put right with the agreement at Ottawa in February establishing a group of the two German states and the Four Powers. The first meeting of this group, at official level, has now taken place. We shall be working hard in this forum, as in all the others, to take matters forward.

INVABP