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December 11, 1961

Comments of N. S. Khrushchev

Khrushchev reflects on the German question, emphasizing the realities of East and West Germany and the broader Cold War tensions surrounding their division. He discusses the Berlin Crisis, NATO’s role in maintaining geopolitical pressure, and the economic and political benefits of normalizing relations between the USSR and West Germany.

August 18, 1961

Draft of a Letter of N. S. Khrushchev to A. Fanfani, Prime Minister of Italy, on the Question of the Signing of a Peace Treaty with Germany, and the Status of West Berlin

Khrushchev writes to Italian Prime Minister Fanfani to reaffirm the Soviet Union’s intention to sign a peace treaty with Germany, regardless of Western opposition. He expresses hope that Western powers will join the treaty but makes clear that the USSR will proceed if they do not. Khrushchev emphasizes that access to West Berlin will remain open, while criticizing any threats of war as unreasonable and dangerous.

July 4, 1961

Summary of N.S. Khrushchev's Speech to Graduates of the USSR Defensive Forces Military Academy on the Question of Signing the Peace Agreement with the GDR

Khrushchev addresses graduates of Soviet military academies, emphasizing the strength of the Soviet armed forces and the importance of peace through disarmament and diplomacy. He outlines the need to conclude a peace treaty with Germany to resolve lingering tensions from World War II, criticizing the resistance of West Germany under Chancellor Adenauer and warning against militarization and nuclear escalation. Khrushchev stresses that the Soviet Union seeks peaceful coexistence but will defend its sovereignty if necessary.

August 1, 1961

Summary of Comments by N. S. Khrushchev concerning the Question of the Conclusion of a Peace Treaty with the German Democratic Republic

Khrushchev remembers the signing of peace agreement with Japan and the exclusion of the Soviet Union from it. He criticizes the politics of Adenauer and warns about the destructive effects of potential world war. Khrushchev suggests signing the peace agreement to avoid the possibility of a nuclear war against the US and its allies

August 10, 1959

N.S. Khrushchev’s Views on the Content of a Memorandum [about a Peace Treaty with Germany]

N. S. Khrushchev outlines his perspective on negotiating with the United States regarding a peace treaty with Germany, emphasizing the need to address the division between the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). He critiques Western policies that led to Germany's division and proposes signing a peace treaty with the GDR, while reassuring the U.S. that this action is not a threat to West Berlin. Khrushchev also touches on broader geopolitical issues, such as parallels with divided Korea and Vietnam, the significance of trade as a diplomatic barometer, and the importance of resolving tensions surrounding Taiwan and the People's Republic of China. Throughout, he encourages a phased approach to negotiations, stressing mutual understanding to avoid exacerbating international tensions.

This document summary was generated by an artificial intelligence language model and was reviewed by a Wilson Center staff member.

September 19, 1955

Speech of Cde. N. S. Khrushchev at a Meeting of Soviet and GDR Government Delegations, 19 September 1955

Khrushchev delivers a speech before GDR and Soviet delegation about collaboration between GDR and the Soviet Union, as well as the threat that NATO and the Warsaw agreement pose to Europe's integrity.

September 9, 1960

Journal of Soviet Ambassador to the DPRK A.M. Puzanov for 9 September 1960

Puzanov and Jeong Il-yong discuss the Soviet construction advisory committee's visit to the DPRK. GDR Ambassador Kurt Schneidewind informs them of the new entry process for West Berlin citizens traveling to socialist countries.

August 3, 1961

Khrushchev's Speech at the Opening of the Meeting of Moscow Conference, 3-5 August 1961

Khrushchev makes the opening statement to the secretaries of the CC's of Communist and Workers' Parties of Socialist Countries at a conference in Moscow. The purpose of the conference is to discuss the preparation and conclusion of a German peace treaty.

January 30, 1961

Letter from Khrushchev to Ulbricht, in Response to Ulbricht's Previous Letter Regarding a Peace Treaty

Khrushchev writes to Ulbricht discussing negotiations with Kennedy and other Western powers with both German states.

September 28, 1961

Letter from Khrushchev to Ulbricht Regarding the Situation in Berlin

Khrushchev response to Ulbricht's 15 September letter regarding the closing of the border between east and west Berlin. He notes that since the Western powers were tending toward negotiation rather than confrontation over the crisis, "such steps which could exacerbate the situation, especially in Berlin, should be avoided."

Pagination