Germany and the Balance of Power

Report Outline
New East-West Maneuvering in Europe
Changes in Germany's International Status
Conditions for a German Peace Settlement

New East-West Maneuvering in Europe

Germany and Moves for European Settlement

Preparations for the Big Four heads-of-government parley to open at Geneva on July 18 were momentarily jolted, June 7, when Russia unexpectedly invited West German Chancellor Adenauer to Moscow to discuss establishment of diplomatic, trade, and cultural relations, The Kremlin's bid for “normalization of relations between the Soviet Union and the German Federal Republic” emphasized the key position of Germany in present maneuvering for a new European settlement. It tended also to support the assumption, current since Moscow made up its mind to break the long stalemate over an Austrian treaty, that Russia was seeking to fashion a buffer belt of neutral states across Europe from north to south. A neutral Germany would close a big gap in such a line and constitute its most important segment.

Chancellor Adenauer, though withholding a final decision, agreed in principle to accept the Soviet invitation. At the same time, officials of the Bonn government made it clear that West Germany would adhere firmly to its alliance with the West. In Washington, June 14, Adenauer joined President Eisenhower in declaring that “the concept of neutrality is in no way applicable to Germany” and that “only in collective security arrangements can Germany assure its independence.” They agreed that the Big Four should strive “to pave the way for early German reunification.”

Russia's sudden wooing of West Germany reinforced the disposition of the United States, Great Britain, and France to approach the coming meeting at the summit with all wariness. Prime Minister Eden already had warned that the western allies must be prepared for tough dealings with Russia over Germany's future status, not merely in the opening round of talks among the government heads but also in subsequent negotiations at a lower level.