The reality is that both German states are sovereign and independent. This was decided by history. In order to remain realists, we must assume that history will decide the fate and the processes that take place on the continent in general, and will thereby determine the place and the roles of these two states. A pan-European process in underway. We want to design a new Europe and build a pan-European house. This requires trust. Relations between the two German states should develop within this framework. They will obviously become closer. But all of these processes need to take their normal course. Any artificial acceleration will only complicate or encumber the significant changes that are taking place in the development of the European states, that is, in a central area in global politics. I think that any sort of artificial acceleration would not be in the interest of the people of either German state. The two German states need to readjust their relations precisely within the context of striving for stability, on the basis of equilibrium and mutual respect. [ . . . ]
What is actually happening, however, is just the opposite. Yesterday, Chancellor Kohl declared – without much show of tact – that President Bush supports the idea of a confederation. What is that supposed to mean? What is a confederation? A confederation presumes a unified defense, a unified foreign policy. Where will the FRG be – in NATO? In the Warsaw Pact? Or will it be neutral? But what would NATO be without the FRG? How will things develop further? Have you thought about all of this? What about the agreements that exist between us? What kind of politics is that?
[ . . . ]
Today you are dealing with the GDR in this way, tomorrow possibly with Poland, with Czechoslovakia, and then with Austria. [ . . . ]
I take full responsibility in declaring that you are not exhibiting the best political style, since you are not distancing yourself from Mr. Kohl. In any case, one cannot call it responsible and foresighted.
Genscher: Regarding the Federal Chancellor’s statement in the Bundestag, I can say that it demonstrates the long-term nature of the policies of the FRG. It shows that the latter is a fundamental element in the process of integration throughout all of Europe. By turning to the GDR, the Federal Chancellor intended first and foremost to underscore the fact that we are prepared to help and cooperate at the present stage, but he also meant to demonstrate that opportunities exist for rapprochement in the future. What he said is neither a diktat nor an ultimatum, but merely a proposal. The GDR will decide on a free and independent basis how it will respond to this proposal. This is precisely what we assume. Of course, the GDR understands its responsibility toward European development. On the evening before my departure, I spoke with Chancellor Kohl in Brussels. His ten-point plan is not a timeline of urgent and imminent measures; instead, he is trying to determine the long-term outlook. The GDR will decide for itself, and answer for itself, whether it will respond to his suggestions with yes or no. We are interested in the internal stability of the GDR. It seems to me that the Federal Chancellor’s statement offered a contribution toward strengthening this stability. There are no diktats and no ultimatums here. We know that neither Poland nor Hungary has gotten this impression. These ten points, our policies, are supported by all the parties represented in the Bundestag, including the SPD.
Gorbachev: The Germans should remember where politics without rhyme or reason once led in the past.
Genscher: We are well acquainted with the mistakes of the past and do not intend to repeat them. That which is presently occurring in the FRG and the GDR does not deserve such a harsh assessment. The people of the GDR are demanding their rights without any expression of aggression, totally peaceably. You must know that the GDR is my homeland, and I hear the demands of its populace with satisfaction and compassion. And the people of the FRG are watching the events in the GDR with sympathy and great interest. All responsible politicians here are saying that the people of the GDR will decide what they need on their own.
Source: Soviet protocol of a conversation between Mikhail Gorbachev and Hans-Dietrich Genscher, cited in Alexander von Plato, Die Vereinigung Deutschlands: Ein weltpolitisches Machtspiel [The Unification of Germany: A Global Power Game]. Berlin, 2002, pp. 128-32.
Translation: Allison Brown
print version
return to list
previous document