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DOCUMENTS ON GERMANY, 1944-59
are in accordance with the interest of the German people and the
Soviet people and alike with the interests of the other European peo-
ples, taking into consideration the obligations of the GDR and the
Soviet Union under the international agreements which concern Ger-
many as a whole, have decided to conclude this Treaty and have ap-
pointed as their Plenipotentiaries: The President of the German
Democratic Republic, the Premier of the GDR, Otto Grotewohl; the
Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Chairman of the
Council of Ministers of the USSR, N. A. Bulganin, who, after ex-
changing their full powers, found in good and due form, have agreed
upon the following terms:
The contracting parties solemnly confirm that the relations between
them are based on complete equality of rights, mutual respect of sov-
ereignty and the non-interference in domestic affairs.
In accordance with this, the German Democratic Republic is free
in its decisions upon questions of its interior politics and foreign
politics, including its relations, with the German Federal Republic, as
well as of a development of relations with other states.
The contracting parties. declare their readiness to take part in a
spirit of sincere cooperation in all international actions, the aim of
which is the: safeguarding of peace and security in Europe and in the
whole world, and which are in accord with the statutes of the organiza-
tion of the United Nations.
For this purpose, they will consult each other about all important
international questions, which affect the interests of both states. They
will take all measures at their disposal with the aim not to allow a
violation of peace.
In accord with the interests of both countries, and following the
principles of friendship, the contracting parties agree to develop and
strengthen furthermore the economic, scientific-technical and cultural
relations existing between the German Democratic Republic and the
Union of the Socialist Soviet Republics, to grant all possible mutual
aid, and to realize the necessary economic and scientific-technical
cooperation.
The Soviet troops at present stationed on the territory of the East
German Democratic Republic, in accordance with the existing inter-
national agreements, remain temporarily in the German Democratic
Republic with the approval of the Governments of the German Demo-
cratic Republic on c'onditions. to be settled by an additional agreement
between the Government of the Democratic German Republic and the
Soviet Union.
The Soviet troops temporarily stationed on the territory of the Ger-
man Democratic Republic will not interfere with the interior affairs
of the German Democratic Republic and with the social-political life
of the country.
There is accord between the contracting parties that it is their main
aim to bring about a peaceful settlement for the whole of Germany by
means of appropriate negotiations.
In accordance with this, they will make the necessary efforts toward
a settlement by a peace treaty and toward the restoration of the unity
of Germany on a peaceful and democratic basis,.
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