38. Editorial Note
On October 21, 1969, Willy Brandt was elected Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany by the Bundestag, the first Social Democratic head of government in nearly 40 years. Henry Kissinger announced the news in a memorandum to President Nixon that afternoon, noting that “Brandt received 251 votes, two more than the required absolute majority of 249.” (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 12, President’s Daily Briefs, October 11–21, 1969) Shortly thereafter, Nixon sent a congratulatory message to Brandt in which he suggested direct consultation on “matters of mutual interest.” (Message from Nixon to Brandt, no date; ibid., Box 682, Country Files, Europe, Germany, Vol. III) Brandt responded on October 22, promising to take full advantage of this offer of personal communication. (Ibid.) The next day, Nixon sent the first backchannel message to Brandt:
“I would like the Chancellor to know that the Soviet Ambassador has proposed that the strategic arms limitation talks begin on November 17 at Helsinki. We plan to accept this proposal. Your government will be officially informed through your Ambassador here on Friday, October 24, but I wanted you personally to know of this development as soon as possible. I wish to assure you that I plan to maintain the fullest consultations with our allies on this matter. You should feel free to pass to me any views you may have through this channel. May I ask you to keep the contents and existence of this message entirely to yourself.” (Ibid., Box 753, Presidential Correspondence File, Germany, Chancellor Brandt (1969–Apr 70))
As soon as he received this message, Brandt sent the following reply: “I am grateful for your message. You will find no barriers from my side for the beginning of SALT. I never doubted your assurances. I will use this channel, if I find it necessary at a later stage.” (Ibid.)