Office of the Historian

55. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Nixon1

Washington, March 24, 1974.

Secretary Kissinger has asked that I pass to you the following report of his stop in Bonn.

“I have had some three hours of talks with Scheel including about 45 minutes in the presence of Chancellor Brandt who came unexpectedly. It was clear that your recent statements have had a major impact on the Germans. They now realize that they would have paid major penalties by following their previous course. As a result, these were the best talks we have had, with serious problems being seriously discussed, though no final agreement was reached.

“The Germans are coming around to the recognition that the problems that have surfaced are not simply procedural but substantive. While I encouraged them to continue their efforts toward more timely and intensive US-European consultation procedures, I left them in no doubt that for us the underlying issue is whether Europe is going to shape its policies in opposition to or in harmony with us. Both Brandt and Scheel say, and I think mean it, that Europe must unite within the context of close Atlantic relations, i.e., in close accord with us. I told them that on that basis we continue to support European unification. The Germans, and through them the other Europeans, should be clear [Typeset Page 230] that what happens next depends on their performance. Much remains to be done, but a beginning has been made.

“We found ourselves in agreement on all the items of interest to the Germans that might arise in Moscow, i.e., Berlin, MBFR, European Security Conference.

“I think this was a valuable stopover. The fact that I will also stop in London will not be lost on the French.”

  1. Summary: Scowcroft relayed a report from Kissinger on his discussions with Scheel and Brandt.

    Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 61, Country Files, Europe, General, German Exchange (1 of 3). Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Sent for information. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.

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