The sensitive
issue of Germany and its capital, Berlin, continues to divide East
and West. A Four-Power conference in Berlin early in 1954 fails
to find a formula for reunification. In October, nearly ten years
after the cessation of hostilities, and with no early prospect of
agreement with the USSR on a final peace settlement, the NATO allies
regularise their relations with the Federal Republic.
Under the
terms of the Paris Agreements, the three Western powers agree to
terminate the occupation regime and recognise the Federal Republic
as a sovereign state. The Federal Republic of Germany and Italy
accede to the Brussels Treaty, and Western Union becomes Western
European Union (WEU). The Federal Republic of Germany is invited
to join NATO. It does so on 5 May 1955.
|