“GREAT DAY FOR GERMANY”

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27489, 25 October 1954, Page 11

“GREAT DAY FOR GERMANY”

Adenauer Comments On New Pacts

(Rec. 9.20 p.m.) PARIS, October 23. The West German Chancellor (Dr. Adenauer), commenting on the signing of the German sovereignty and rearmament treaties, said it had been “a trply great day.” Many of his political advisers were near tears as he said: “I have no history book on hand, but I think I am right in saying that it’s more than 1000 years since we had such a constellation of Powers in Europe as today.” He expressed “special satisfaction that Germany and Britain will in future work together for liberty and peace ” He paid high tribute to Sir Anthony Eden’s part in the “breathtaking” movement of events since the defeat of E.D.C.

Dr. . Adenauer said Germany and Europe could not be thankful enough for the initiative which Sir Anthony Eden and the British Government had taken to repair the damage. Although the Saar settlement did not contain all Germany wanted, it was a progressive step for all the parties, especially the Saarlanders themselves.

Dr. Adenauer said that the text of the Saar agreement with France would be published on Tuesday. It had been a day of reconciliation between France and Germany, he said. “I do not know whether the German people realise how important for Germany is the entry of the Federal Republic into N.A.T.O. If you consider that it is only 10 years since the war ended and we were beaten to the ground you can say it is truly astonishing that Germany has been turned round in historically so short a time and the Federal Republic asked to enter as a welcome member into the pact.”