DECISION OF CONFERENCE

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27472, 5 October 1954, Page 13

DECISION OF CONFERENCE

Undertaking By Germany (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, October 3. The final declaration of the NinePower conference said the 'Brussels agreement would be strengthened and extended to make it a more effective focus of European integration. Gerrruny and Italy would be invited to join and the structure of the organisation would be reinforced. Germany undertook not to manufacture atomic, biological or chemical weapons. Dr. Adenauer issued a declaration in the 3500 word “final act” undertaking that West Germany would never “have recourse to force to achieve the reunification of Germany, or a modification of the present boundaries of the German Federal Republic, and that she will resolve by peaceful means any dispute which may arise between the Federal Republic and other states.” The British, French and United States governments, taking note of Dr. Adenauer’s declaration, declared in their turn that they considered his government “the only German Government freely and legitimately constituted, and therefore entitled to speak for Germany as the representative of the German people in international affairs.” The three Western Powers also said that “the achievement through peaceful means of a fully free and unified Germany remains a fundamental goal of their policy.” The Three Powers after reasserting that a peace settlement for the whole of Germany remained an essential aim of their policy said “the final determination of the boundaries of Germany must await such a settlement.” Guarantee to Berlin The Webern Powers also said they would “maintain armed forces within the territory of Berlin so long as their responsibilities require it. They therefore reaffirm that they will treat any attack against Berlin from any quarter an attack upon their forces and themselves.” Britain, France and the United States said they would “invite the association of other member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation with this declaration" regarding Germany. The section added: “The conference agreed that the representatives of the governments concerned should work out urgently the texts of detailed agreements jto give effect to the principles laid down above.” These would be submitted to the N.A.T.O. council or to the four governments directly concerned with the future status of the Federal Republic, whichever was appropriate. “The conference hoped that it would be possible to hold a Ministerial meeting of the North Atlantic Council on October 22 to decide on the arrangements affecting N.A.T.0.,” the section said.

This would be preceded by FourPower and Nine-Power meetings of Foreign Ministers. The final act said: “These agreements and arrangements constitute a notable contribution to world peace. “A western Europe is now emerging which, resting on tne close association of the United Kingdom with the Continent and on the growing friendship between the participating countries, will reinforce the Atlantic community.” The system elaborated by the conference would further the development of European unity and integration.