Innsbruck, November 1, 1969
Efforts for a European Security Conference
All efforts of the present international talks are aiming at a European Security Conference. Willy Brandt’s Ostpolitik has given these talks a hitherto unknown boost. The states of the East Bloc are highly interested in such a Conference and would also be prepared to make concessions, while it would offer the West an opportunity for a period of relaxation in Central Europe. But the price would obviously be legalizing the status quo of the borders in Central Europe as well as the recognition of the DDR (East Germany) as a separate state. As these are already an accomplished fact anyway, such a Conference could make a significant contribution to normalize the political situation in Central Europe and at the same time ease the way for the initiated détente between the United States and the Soviet Union. After 25 years since the end of World War II, it would be time to create stable political conditions in Europe.
Innsbruck, November 19, 1969
This week bilateral talks between the United States and the Soviet Union on Strategic Arms Limitation (SALT) in Helsinki have begun in order to achieve a balance of nuclear power. This is also significant for the European Security Conference. Without a doubt, a period of negotiations has begun that could well be the most important arbitrations in deciding the destiny of Central Europe since Yalta and Potsdam.
Note
[Henry Kissinger mentions in his memoirs, White House Years (Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1979, pp. 143-45) that since February 1969 preliminary talks between him and the Russian Ambassador in Washington Anatoly Dobrynin on SALT had taken place. After long negotiations and working on various drafts, the SALT I agreement was signed in Moscow in May 1972. The Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) was signed in Helsinki by the end of July, beginning of August 1975.]
Innsbruck, [Middle of November]. 1969
Hope for the Future
Students in Europe have become very much like those in America so that it would be difficult to see much of a difference. The young generation has been following a worldwide trend by adjusting to each other the way they dress, behave and think. They give the older generation everywhere an uncanny feeling. But the positive side of this development may be seen in the circumstance that the young generation is growing into a global civilization, which furthers international understanding and brings young people from different cultures closer together than ever before. In this development, there is certainly hope for the future.
Innsbruck, [End of November], 1969
The Struggle for Democracy in Europe
Most countries in Europe are presently taking desperate efforts to achieve better and more effective forms of democracy. The continuing series of strikes in Italy, the profound discontent in France, the confrontation with the dictatorships in Spain and Greece as well as the left wing underpinnings, all threaten the stability of the liberal democratic governments in power. In addition to that, there is the historic burden to bear. Democracy in Europe has to catch up on a 150 year long neglect.