UN General Assembly
1949

76. That experiment was still in its initial stage. The first President of the new Federal Republic of Germany had just been elected, the first Chancellor had been appointed, and the first Government had been constituted. The destiny of Germany had once again been entrusted to the Germans themselves. Events would show whether they were able to cope with the responsibilities which had been restored to them, and to prepare their future in order and liberty. The rate at which subsequent progress took place would depend on the results of that experiment. France hoped that Germany Would embark upon a course which would enable it to regain its place in the community of free nations, beginning with that European community foreshadowed by the Council of Europe.