15. Message From West German Chancellor Brandt to President Nixon1
Dear Mr. President:
The talks for which Prime Minister Heath was in Bonn yesterday and today, centered on the alarming new currency crisis which—as you know—forced the Federal Government to close the exchange market for another time. We agreed that we must make every conceivable effort to find a way out which strengthens European integration. After his return to London, the Prime Minister will thoroughly examine what contribution his Government can make to a common solution.
I am convinced that a joint action represents at the same time an element of stabilization in the world political situation. This is to the benefit of all members of the Western world. A weakening of the Community by separate action would be harmful to all.
[Page 50]Much will depend now on the results of the forthcoming meeting of the Ministerial Council of the European Community. The Federal Government is prepared to do everything in its power in order to achieve a positive result.
Yours sincerely,
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 53, Country Files, Europe, Monetary Crisis, March 1973. Confidential. Brandt’s message was conveyed to President Nixon under cover of a March 2 letter from West German Ambassador Rolf Pauls. (Ibid., Box 62, Country Files, Europe, UK Memcons (originals), January–April 1973)↩
- Printed from a copy that bears Brandt’s typed signature with an indication that he signed the original.↩