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1956. During
the 20th Party Congress in February, Khrushchev reveals the extent
of Stalin's atrocities and denounces the 'cult of personality'.
But the USSR continues to maintain strict control over Eastern Europe.
Signs of rebellion, such as the anti-regime riots in Poland in June
or the more serious uprising in Hungary in October, are quickly
suppressed by Soviet troops.
In May 1956
the NATO Council establishes a 'Committee of Three on Non-Military
Cooperation' comprising the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Italy and
Norway, to recommend ways in which the Council could better perform
its task as a forum for consultation. In the Committee's report,
which was adopted the following December, the Ministers - termed
the Three Wise Men - call on member governments to inform the Council
of any developments which would have a significant impact on the
Alliance so that effective consultations could take place.
They emphasise
that the need is not merely for broadening and deepening consultation
but 'for all members to make consultation in NATO an integral part
of the making of national policy.' Uppermost in their minds would
have been just such a development which occurred as they were preparing
their report. Following the nationalisation of the Suez Canal in
July by President Nasser of Egypt, Britain and France intervene
militarily, an action that is vigorously opposed by the United States.
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