Nixon-Brandt summit

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32802, 30 December 1971, Page 11

Nixon-Brandt summit

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) KEY BISCAYNE (Florida), Dec. 29. President Nixon and the West German Chancellor (Mr Willy Brandt), who are having two days of talks, have agreed that a European security conference is unlikely before 1973. The two leaders drew this conclusion after reviewing the situation yesterday at Mr Nixon’s winter residence, overlooking Biscayne Bay. The reasons for the delay, according to informed sources, are the United States Presidential election next year, and the fact that the ratification of West Germany’s non - aggression treaties with the Soviet Union and Poland is -not expected before mid-summer.

The inability, so far, to persuade the Soviet Union to move towards negotiations with the West on mutual and balanced force reductions in Europe is another- obstacle to bringing about such a conference in the coming 12 months, the sources say.

The Chancellor and his party were buoyed yesterday by an assurance from Mr Nixon and the Secretary of State (Mr William Rogers)

that America will not reduce her troop strength in Europe, and remains committed to a continuing strong N.A.T.O. alliance.

Mr Rogers, reporting on his separate meeting with the West German Foreign Minister (Mr Walter Scheel) told a press conference: “I think

the most important conclusion that I would make is that the relations between our two Governments are excellent, and that we are proceeding on parallel courses.”

The two leaders, looking ahead to what are expected to be difficult trade negotiations with the European Economic Community, agreed that relations between the United States and the Common Market should be kept free from conflict.

Mr Nixon is reported to have been cautious in talking about his journey to Peking in February. He said that he was undertaking it in' the interests of world peace, and that it should not disturb America’s relations with Japan.