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ADVANCE
S
REPORTS
I
N A SUDDEN
move, the Soviet Union
has agreed to talk with West Ger–
many over a mutual renunciation of
the use of force. The talks were pro–
posed by West Germany's new Chan–
cellor, Willy Brandt.
Política! observers saw the negotia–
tions, begun in Moscow on December
8,
as opening up a whole "new era" in
relations between West and Communist
East Europe.
Sorne analysts viewed the talks, how–
ever, with a degree of skeptiósm. To
the French, especially, the haunting
specter of another Rapallo Treaty was in–
escapable. Secrer provisions in the 1922
Rapallo Treaty permitted the German
Army to design, build and test weapons
on Russian soil.
Washington is reportedly annoyed
with West Germany's leaders for
allegedly failing to consult with the U . S.
about Bonn's current initiations toward
the Soviet Union and other East Euro–
pean nations.
Relations lmproving
The new overtures to Russia are thc
spearhead of a vigorous Eastern Eu–
ropean policy launched by Chancellor
Brandt. The Kremlin, quite obviously,
prefers to deal with the new Socialist
government now at thc helm in Bonn,
than the Christian Democrats previously
in power.
Significaotly, on the day the Moscow
talks began, a massive Russian order for
West German steel pipes was an–
nounced in Diisseldorf. Under the
l
.5
billion mark ( 408 mili ion dollar)
deal - the biggcst single order ever
placed with the West German steel in–
dustry - the pipes will be used by the
Soviets to conduct natural gas from the
icy tracts of Nurthem Siberia into the
heart of Central Europe.
Bonn lnks Nuclear Pact
It is obvious that the Kremlin's sud–
den readiness to talk results largely
from aoother recent incident.
On November 28, West German Am–
bassador to the Soviet Union, Helmut
Allardt, signed the nuclear nonprolif–
eration treaty on behalf of the Bonn
Government. The pact, which has now
been signed by 93 countr ies, is intended
to prevent the further spread of atomic
and hydrogen weapons to non-nuclear
states.
To West German eyes, the treaty un–
doubtedly is of far more important po–
lítica! conseguence now.
Said Ambassador Allardt at the sign–
ing ceremony: "The signature was per–
formed in the hope that it will give new
ímpetus to our relations not only with
the Soviet Union but with other eastern
neighbors."
In the past, Germany's continued
stalling on signing the treaty has barred
any improvement in ties between Bonn
and the Cornmunist nations.
In a related move, Chancellor Brandt
has taken the first step toward improv–
ing relatioos with Poland. In \'{/arsaw
on November 24, Wcst Germaoy's trade
mission chief handed the Polish govern–
ment a note proposing talks to improve
relations betwcen the two governments.
Economic Links Growing
It is in the economic sphcre where
the firmest East-West links are being
forged .
West Germany and othcr nations
within the booming Common Market
TODA
Y/
rapidly are increasing economic ties
with its Communist neighbors.
Romania's economy is moving more
and more toward the West. Imports
from the Common Market are up a
whopping
87
percent in just 3 years.
In Hungary, recent moves were ini–
tiated in the fo reign trade ministry to
increase economic contacts with the
West.
Yugoslavia and the Coffilnon Market
are nearing completion of a trade agree–
ment which would
be
the first pact be–
tween the Six and an East European
country.
Talks are also being arranged be–
tween the Common Market and its So–
viet-led East European counterpart,
Comecon.
The pipeline project between West
Germany and the Soviet Union is the
biggest single trade development of all .
It represeots the second-largest deal ever
undertaken by Moscow with a Westero
European nation.
Two things must be kept in mind in
all of this: First, the economic needs of
the Soviet Union and the whole Com–
munist camp are great. Unless Moscow
gives in a little, she risks a worseniog
relationship with her satellites, espe–
cialJy Poland, Hungary and Romanía.
Secondly, the Soviets clearly are aim–
ing at patching up differences with their
Western neighbors in order to prepare
for any renewcd trouble with Red China
in the East.
* *
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