New Directions in Franco-German Military Cooperation
Abstract
This article explores the military dimensions of increased cooperation between Bonn and Paris, examining the policy implications and prospects for success. After the plan for a European Defense Community collapsed in 1954 (owing to French opposition to West Germany's membership) and West Germany's entry into NATO the next year, Franco-German military cooperation was very much an open question. The opportunity to moderate this division came in January 1963, with the signing of the Elysee Treaty and, with it, the first phase of Franco-German military cooperation. Unfortunately, this effort was to have little effect, coming as it did when French participation in the NATO integrated military command was being called into question by De Gaulle. With the rupture between France and NATO in 1966, Franco-German military cooperation fell into a state of dormancy, with efforts largely limited to general staff talks and personnel exchanges. This state continued until 1982 when, partly as a result of changes in the leadership of both France and Germany, an effort to revitalize the 1963 treaty was made. French President Francois Mitterand's declared support for the modernization of NATO's theater nuclear weapons, coupled with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl's visit to Paris immediately after his election in October 1982, paved the way for increased cooperation. The pace during 1987 was particularly intense. On 19 June, Helmut Kohl proposed the formation of a joint Franco-German brigade, which was followed by the announcement by President Mitterand of the formation of a combined Franco-German Defense Council. The announcement was made during the course of exercise Bold Sparrow. However, these initiatives are not without their attendant problems. This article examines these three particular issues -- the creation of a joint brigade, the proposal of a joint defense council, and the combined exercise Bold Sparrow -- within the framework of the security concerns of the two countries.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA515690
Entities
People
- John Clarke
Organizations
- United States Army War College