Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–2, Documents on Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 1969–1972

39. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon¹ ²

Washington, November 11, 1969

Subject:

• Reaffirmation of NATO at the Time of FRG Signing of Non-Proliferation Treaty

Recommendation:

That you authorize me to release the enclosed statement in connection with the signing of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty by the Federal Republic of Germany.

Approve

Disapprove

Discussion

In their consideration of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Germans have seen a possible risk to their security from the fact that the Treaty, as drafted, could outlast the North Atlantic Treaty. They fear that this might some day deprive them of the United States nuclear guarantee at a time when they would be unable to develop an effective deterrent against nuclear attack.

During recent discussions between representatives of the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany on the Treaty, the Germans stated that a prerequisite for their adherence to the NPT is the continued existence of NATO or a system providing similar security guarantees. They said that a statement by the United States reaffirming its commitment to European security would be of great assistance in meeting this requirement. They said they desired such a statement by November 7 for use in the Bundestag debates on the NPT beginning November 10.

We have prepared the enclosed statement which we believe will meet the needs of the Germans. The statement in no way adds to our existing international commitments.

I believe the release of a statement of this kind will do much to reassure the FRG of our determination to meet our present commitments and to assist the German Government in its parliamentary debate on the Treaty.

William P. Rogers

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 366, Subject Files, Non-Proliferation Treaty, Vol. I, April 69–March 70. Kissinger approved the statement for the President on November 12. (Draft memorandum to the President, undated; ibid.)
2. Rogers asked Nixon to authorize release of a statement in connection with the signing of the NPT by the FRG. Rogers noted that recent talks between U.S. and FRG representatives revealed two requisite provisions before the FRG would adhere to the NPT, the continuation of NATO and U.S. commitment to European security. Rogers assured the President that the drafted statement would confirm U.S. support while not further extending U.S. international commitments.