Word: brandts
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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...What are Brandt's major aims? In the Moscow negotiations, he hopes to achieve a nonaggression pact in which the Soviets will, in effect, renounce their rights as victors, under the Potsdam Agreement and United Nations Charter, to intervene in West Germany against a military or political threat. Though Soviet intervention may seem remote, Bonn would rest more easily if the Russians disclaimed those rights. In Warsaw, Brandt hopes to lay the foundation for the future establishment of full diplomatic recognition and stronger cultural and economic ties. But as Polish Foreign Minister Stefan Jedrychowski told Tinnin, Poland insists...
...dealings with the East bloc, Brandt has leverage in two major areas. Faced with the Chinese threat in the east, the Soviets are eager to win West German ratification of the present borders of Europe. Moscow seems to fear that in the event of serious trouble with the Chinese, the West might use the old German territorial claims to blackmail or attack the East bloc...
...other area of Brandt's leverage is trade and technical aid. East Germany's own economic success has stemmed largely from increasing trade with West Germany. Both Poland and the Soviet Union want West German credits and know-how to help get their stagnating economies moving...
...What can Brandt expect in return? In the short term, perhaps, very little. In the long term, however, the West Germans might be able to share in exploiting Siberia's natural wealth. Politically, Brandt at best can hope for an improved political climate and toning down of Communist propaganda against West Germany...
Domestic Dilemma. Brandt's dilemma is that his opening to the East has inspired an overly optimistic response in West Germany. Various polls show that anywhere from 74% to 82% of the populace favor his proposed East Berlin meeting with Stoph. But if Brandt fails to achieve a quick and impressive result, as may well happen, a reaction could set in. As it is, former Christian Democratic Chancellor Kurt Kiesinger is already expressing concern about the consequences of Brandt's diplomatic initiatives. It is no secret that Kiesinger would welcome an opportunity to oust Brandt, who holds only...