UN General Assembly
1974

75. The twenty-ninth session of the General Assembly is meeting precisely when detente is the predominant feature in the development of international relations. The settlement of conflicts is in principle moving to the political sphere. At the same time, however, certain recent events indicate that efforts are being made to obstruct this process. 76. The policy of detente is most in evidence in Europe, where substantial changes have made it possible for European countries to begin an era of constructive co-operation. A particular role has been played in this area by the normalization of relations between the socialist countries and the Federal Republic of Germany as embodied in the respective bilateral treaties. Relations between the countries of the socialist community and other Western European countries are also developing. In these circumstances, it seems only logical and completely realistic that the Governments of the European States be required to elaborate the principles which should guide their mutual relations.