Central Europe
Central Europe West Germany * FOREIGN POLICY AND STATUS OF BERLIN T.HE LESSENING of East-West tensions was reflected in Germany during thJLe Hperiod under review (July 1, 1962, to December 31, 1963). Foreign Minister Gerhard Schroder favored a flexible policy similar to President John F. Kennedy's, and this was increasingly accepted by gov- ernment and public. The West, however, gave up no rights in West Berlin —a fact strongly emphasized by President Kennedy in Berlin in June 1963. Since the Russians did not press their proposals for a "peace treaty" and a "Free City of West Berlin," the status quo was more or less maintained. Until Chancellor Konrad Adenauer actually resigned on October 15, 1963, his impending retirement resulted in uncertainty and lack of direction in foreign affairs. While his prospective successor Ludwig Erhard was an advocate of close relations with the United States and Britain, Adenauer had based his policy on strong ties to France. He visited General Charles de Gaulle in July 1962 and de Gaulle, in turn, made a trip to Bonn, Hamburg, Munich, and Ludwigsburg in October 1962, and was greeted with enthusiasm. De Gaulle reiterated his conviction that German-French unity was basic to the strength and survival of Europe. In January 1963 France and Germany signed a treaty providing for close cooperation in economic, cultural, and other matters. The treaty was ratified by the Bundestag (Federal parliament) in April, its preamble stating that it was not in conflict with other German international (e.g., NATO) obligations. Bonn and Washington exchanged visitors on several occasions.
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