Press Communiqué North Atlantic Council Paris 9th-11th May 1955

Final Communiqué Chairman: Mr. S. Stephanopoulos. Synopsis Federal Republic of Germany accedes to the Treaty - Defensive character of the Alliance - Declarations regarding Italy - Examination of international situation, including the Austrian State Treaty, the ThreePower proposal to the USSR regarding the settlement of outstanding issues, and the situation in the Middle and Far East.

The North Atlantic Council, under the chairmanship of Mr. Stephanos Stephanopoulos, Foreign Minister of Greece, met in Ministerial Session in Paris on May 9th, 10th and 11th, 1955. I To welcome the accession of the Federal Republic of Germany to the North Atlantic Treaty, the Council held an opening public session. In speeches made on that occasion, the texts of which have already been made public, Ministers stressed the significance they attach to the entry of the Federal Republic as a democratic and sovereign state into the North Atlantic Community. The Federal Chancellor, replying to the welcome extended him by his colleagues, emphasized the full harmony existing between the objectives of the North Atlantic Treaty and the ardent desire for peace, security and freedom felt by the German people including the eighteen million in East Germany. II The Council reaffirmed the purely defensive character of the Atlantic Alliance. It recorded its deep satisfaction at the entry into force of the agreements which establish Western European Union and which promote peace and provide specific safeguards, including the control of armaments. The Council also noted the valuable mutual support made possible by close collaboration between NATO and Western European Union in their respective fields of activity. The Council welcomed the declarations made by the Ministers of member governments signatory to the Italian Peace Treaty recalling the active part taken by Italy in the progress of Atlantic and European co-operation, and reaffirming that various discriminatory aspects of that Treaty were considered to be inconsistent with the position of Italy as an ally. III The Ministers examined major aspects of the international situation within and beyond the NATO area. They discussed a report on the current negotiations regarding the Austrian State Treaty, and welcomed the indications that the Soviet Union may now join in concluding such a Treaty long sought by the Western Powers. They were resolved to continue the policies followed heretofore in building and maintaining the strength and unity of the West. The Council welcomed the initiative of France, the United Kingdom and the United States in proposing to the Soviet Union negotiations to find means for resolving outstanding issues. The Council hoped that this initiative would lead progressively to agreements which would remove sources of conflict and contribute to the security and liberty of all peoples. In particular, the Council hoped that such negotiations might help to bring about the peaceful unification of Germany in freedom, and promote progress, toward reduction, under effective safeguards, of armaments and armed forces. The Council emphasized that this process of negotiation required careful preparation, and must be pursued with patience and determination. The Council also reviewed the situation in the Middle East and Far East The Council received reports on the conclusion of various security pacts in these areas, including the Manila Pact and the Turco-Iraqi Pact. The Council welcomed measures taken to strengthen the defence of the Middle East and Far East areas. A report was made to the Council on the Bandung Conference. The Council expressed the hope that there would be a cessation of hostilities in the Far East and no further resort to force, since this would so clearly endanger the peace of the world. IV Ministers expressed their satisfaction that the procedures followed in the Council had enabled them to have frank and free discussions and a thorough exchange of views. These discussions constitute a most significant proof of the solidarity of the Alliance and show the great value of the Council as a forum for political consultation on matters of common concern. They are resolved to continue to follow these procedures, which enable the member governments to develop their policies on common principles.