Page 334

334           DOCUMENTS ON GERMANY, 1944-59
4. The demands expressed by the Soviet Government have created
a serious situation which must be faced with determination.
5. The Council recalls the responsibilities which each member state
has assumed in regard to the security and welfare of Berlin and the
maintenance of the position of the three powers in that city. The
member states of NATO could not approve a solution of the Berlin
question which jeopardized the right of the three western powers
to remain in Berlin as long as their responsibilities require it, and did
not, assure -freedom of communication between that city and the free
world. The Soviet Union would be responsible for any action which
had the effect of hampering this free communication or endangering
this freedom. The two million inhabitants of West Berlin have just
reaffirmed in a free vote their overwhelming approval and support
for that position.
6. The Council considers that -the Berlin question can only be
settled in the framework of an agreement with the U.S.S.R. on
Ge    y  as a whole. It recalls that the western powers have re-
peatedly declared themselves ready to examine this problem, as well
as those of European security and disarmament. They are still ready
to discuss all these problems.
NATO Final Communiqu4 December 18, 1958'
The North Atlantic Council held its regular Ministerial Session
in Paris from 16th to 18th December, 1958.
International Situation
In a comprehensive survey of the international situation, the Council
gave first place to the question of Berlin. The member countries
made clear their resolution not to yield to threats. Their unanimous
view on Berlin was expressed in the Council's Declaration of 16th
December.
The Council will continue to follow this question with close atten-
tion and will shortly discuss the replies to be sent to the Soviet notes
of 27th November.
The member states of NATO sincerely believe that the interests of
peace require equitable settlements of the outstanding political issues
which divide the free world from the Communist world. A solution
of the German question, linked with European security arrangements,
and an agreement on controlled disarmament remain in their view
essential. The NATO Governments will continue to seek just settle-
ments of these problems, but regret that Western proposals on these
questions have so far been ignored by the Soviet Government.
The Council heard reports on the Geneva, discussions on the dis-
continuance of nuclear weapons tests, and on measures helpful in
preventing surprise attack.
The Council's review of the international situation, on the basis of
reports prepared by the Political Committee, covered a wide range of
problems.
Special attention was given to the efforts of the Communist bloc to
weaken the positions of the free world in different areas.
i1bid., pp. 51-5M.