§ Official Communiqué
§ The Federal German Defence Minister, Herr Strauss, visited London on 23rd May for talks with the British Minister of Defence, Mr. Duncan Sandys, at the latter's invitation.
§ In the course of their discussions, the two Ministers reviewed a number of problems of special importance to the security of Europe. They found themselves in full agreement on, the principles of collective defence, the central aim of which is and remains the prevention of war. They agreed that pending the conclusion of a satisfactory disarmament agreement this purpose can be achieved only through the deterrent power of the strategic weapons which are possessed by the United States and the United Kingdom and by the maintenance of strong shield forces on the Continent of Europe. Herr Strauss emphasised the importance to the Federal Republic of these shield forces Mr. Sandys made it clear that 411 it was the firm intention of the British Government to continue to make a substantial contribution to these shield forces, in addition to making a British contribution to the strategic deterrent. The two Ministers expressed the conviction that close and friendly co-operation between Great Britain and Germany within the framework of NA.T.O. and the Western European Union constituted an important element in the collective defence of Europe.
§ The two Ministers were joined for part of the discussions by the British Minister of Supply, Mr. Aubrey Jones. The Ministers considered how, in the interests of greater efficiency and economy, closer co-operation between the two countries could be achieved in the sphere of defence research and development. They set up a joint Committee of officials to determine the particular fields of activity in which such co-operation could be most fruitfully developed, within the framework of Western European Union.
§ In addition to the Ministers, those taking part in the discussions included on the German side, Herr von Herwarth, the German Ambassador and General Heusinger. Inspector-General of the German Armed Forces, and on the British side, Field Marshal Sir Gerald Templer, Chief of the Imperial General Staff. Air Chief Marshal Sir Dermot Boyle. Chief of the Air Staff, and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Supply.
§ On Friday morning, 24th May, Herr Strauss and Mr. Sandys paid a visit to the R.A.F. Bomber Station at Marham, Norfolk.