dodis.ch/76991

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Brandt to the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Brezhnev1

[The Inviolability of Frontiers, as well as Humanitarian Cooperation and Cultural Exchange]

Thank you very much for your letter, in which you address several issues relating to the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe.2 On numerous occasions, we have had the opportunity to discuss, and somewhat align our views on, these matters. This has also benefited cooperation between our delegations.

I continue to believe that the Conference marks an important waypoint along the path to a state of affairs in which increased cooperation will bring enhanced security and stability. I consider the Conference’s prospects to be favourable. That said, it is an ambitious attempt – one that stands to positively or negatively impact further developments in Europe.

We both agree on how significant these questions are, also for the future of bilateral relations between a good number of countries. I believe, as you do, that we should do everything in our power to bring the Conference to a timely and successful conclusion. I hope that no participant in the Conference wishes to see it delayed; I myself do not have any information that would bear out this impression.

You mention two issues in particular: The inviolability of frontiers, as well as humanitarian cooperation and cultural exchange. I share your view that these are key issues in the negotiations.

Let me assure you that, as concerns the frontier issue, the Federal Government can accept any text that aligns with our Moscow Treaty of 12 August 1970.3 Since, in this connection, Foreign Minister Gromyko has made it clear in an agreed form that the principle of inviolability of frontiers does not affect states’ sovereign right to change frontiers through peaceful means,4 there should be no problem with providing a similar clarification at the Geneva Conference, as well, in such a way that takes into account the multilateral nature of the outcome of the Conference. Here, I would also like to refer to the discussions that took place between our negotiators, which at the time led to the respective statement being issued by the Soviet Foreign Minister.

Neither are we seeking controversy on the topic of cooperation in the humanitarian sphere or regarding cultural exchange. We have no intention whatsoever of interfering with the internal structures of the participating States. The outcome of the Conference should satisfy the growing desire for greater cooperation, as well as help develop flexible procedures. The enhanced cooperation that we are seeking should benefit everyone, not merely one side. The Conference aims to create a state of affairs that justifies expanding these contacts.

I can understand your concern that there are plenty of people who enjoy engaging in hollow talk and are looking for meaningless tasks. In addition, I am worried there are those who take with one hand the same thing they give with the other. I am looking for a way to reach an agreement that will preclude any suspicion that the newly created possibilities for exchange and cooperation can be restricted again at anyone’s whim. After all, the purpose of this great step forward must be to reach a state of affairs that will engender further steps of détente in Europe.

I have instructed our delegation to pursue constructive efforts in this regard.5