Evening star., 1961-04-16
Men Meet-und Aqree

There is reason to believe that the
talks between President Kennedy and
West German Chancellor Adenauer,
just concluded here, have served more
important purpose than was spelled out
in their joint communique.
For, as in the case Of the earlier
meetings between Mr. Kennedy and
Britain'S Prime Minister Macmillan,
this was first opportunity for face-to-
face sizing up Of each other by two of
the most powerful leaders in the free
world community. In this respect, it
was a meeting perhaps more meaning
full to DR.. Adenauer, whose own views
and vigor already were well known to
the President, but who had not in turn
had previous opportunity for a personal
evaluation Of Mr.. Kennedy in the role
OF Chief Executive. That DR.. Adenauer
was pleased with his findings was
indicated in his press conference
description of the President as every
precise, very exact, very quick and very
frank" Along with Mr.. Kennedy's own
warm words about the German Chancel-
lor, the exchange Of compliments can
be considered as something more than
mere diplomatic politeneSS.
At the same time, the concluding
communique itself reflects wide range
of agreement and of reaff1rmation of
purpose that undoubtedly is reasSuring
to the head Of the Bonn government.
1t was made clear, for example, that
the United States remains committed to
the freedom of the people of West Berlin
and that reunif1cation of Germany (in
freedom, not in subjection) still is a
basic objective. OF the NATO alliance,
there was emphasis not only on its
primary function as defensive military
instrument and the necessity for it to
develop "all military means required"
to enable it to deter aggression, but
there also was significant emphasis
upon intensified political cooperation"
within the bloc-a principle which DR..
Adenauer has long favored.
Indeed, this theme of the deSirability
Of closer unity in non-military affairs
among the Atlantic nations was sounded
also in parts Of the communique dealing
particularly with economic problems.
Establishment Of the new Organization
for Economic Cooperation and Develop
ment, in which the United States and
Canada will be joined with 18 other
free world nations, was described as a
step of vital Importance, opening the
way to achieving closer interdepen-'
dence.
1t was most noteworthy, against the
background Of reports that Britain Is
now seriously considering the possibility
OF joining the European Economic Com
munity (the Common Market, often re-
ferred to as the Inner Six and number
ing West Germany in its membership,
that President Kennedy joined DR.. Ade-
nauer in describing this group as a
powerful and cohesive force" with
dynamic potential 1t is known that Mr..
Macmillan discussed this matter with
the President and that there is hope here
that Britain will so decide Currently,
Britain is a member of the European
Free Trade Association, known as the
Outer Seven, and there has been ap-
prehenSion that continued division of
free Europe into these two blocS would
have dangerous economic and political
consequences for the Atlantic COM
munity as whole
Having thus covered the water
'front.'. with both Mr.. Macmillan and
DR.. Adenauer, the President has another
summit meeting" Of major Importance
coming up next month-with President
de Gaulle in Paris. Basically, these talks
are part Of single pattern and it should
be useful in preparation for Paris that
the two others already have been held.