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Abstract

After being integrated into Western defense structures and recovering full sovereignty in May 1955, the Federal Republic of Germany engaged in direct talks with the Soviet Union. On September 13, 1955, after difficult negotiations, the two countries agreed to resume full diplomatic relations and trade negotiations. During his trip to Moscow, Chancellor Adenauer also reached an agreement on the release of the last 10,000 German prisoners of war remaining in Soviet captivity.

Adenauer’s State Visit to Moscow (September 9-13, 1955)

Source

Communiqué on Negotiations between the Soviet Union and the Federal Republic of Germany, September 13, 1955

From September 9 to 13 negotiations were held in Moscow between the government delegation of the Soviet Union and the government delegation of the German Federal Republic.

[…]

During the talks, which took place in an atmosphere of mutual understanding, there took place a broad and frank exchange of views on the question of the mutual relations between the Soviet Union and the Federal German Republic. During the talks the question of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Soviet Union and the Federal German Republic was discussed.

An agreement was reached, and expressed in letters exchanged by the parties, with a view to obtaining the approval of the Federal Government and of the Bundestag, as well as of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet, for the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and the setting up to this end, of embassies respectively in Bonn and in Moscow, and to the exchange of diplomatic representatives of the rank of extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors.

Both delegations agreed that the establishment of diplomatic relations would contribute to the development of mutual understanding and cooperation between the Soviet Union and the German Federal Republic in the interests of peace and security in Europe.

The parties are starting from the assumption that the establishment and development of normal relations between the Soviet Union and the Federal German Republic will further the settlement of pending problems affecting the whole of Germany, and must thus help the solution of the principal national problem of the German people, the reestablishment of the unity of the Germany democratic state.

In confirmation of the agreement reached, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union and Federal Chancellor of the German Federal Republic exchanged letters, the text of which is annexed.

The parties also agreed that negotiations should shortly be negotiated between the German Federal Republic and the Soviet Union on the problems of the development of trade.

Source: Communiqué on Negotiations between the Soviet Union and the Federal Republic of Germany, September 13, 1955; reprinted in Documents on Germany, 1944-1959: Background Documents on Germany, 1944-1959, and a Chronology of Political Developments affecting Berlin, 1945-1956. Washington, DC: General Printing Office, 1959, pp. 154-55.