I feel proud and satisfied with the results of my hard work. A few years ago, I decided that if anything was to be done to ease relations between Bonn and East Berlin, the Germans would have to do it themselves. As a result, I presented my ideas regarding German and Eastern policies in July 1963 to a conference of the Protestant Academy in Tutzing. The basis of the "new Eastern and German policy" is the recognition that the European catastrophe began with the seizure of power by the National Socialists in 1933 and that Germany must accept the historical results. This recognition can lead to contact with the East European states in a climate of detente. I promoted “change through rapprochement” and “policy of small steps.” My 1968 book, A Peace Policy for Europe, held that “The recognition is growing that the nations of Europe must and will not simply come to terms with being permanently divided by the conflict between East and West ... even fundamental differences of political conviction and of social structure need not hold back the states of Europe...from working together in areas of common interest for the consolidation of an enduring peace.” My implementation of Ostpolitik led to West Germany's further reconciliation with the outside world. I relunctantly accepted the complete consequences of defeat: the lost lands, the admission of moral responsibility, and acknowledgement of Germany's participation. As a result, my government concluded a non-aggression treaty with the Soviet Union and also normalized relations with Poland, Czechoslovakia, and, finally, East Germany. What made Ostpolitik possible was the fact that my government recognized Europe's borders as inviolable, and it acknowledged the existence of two states in the German nation. Today, I was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for my work in improving east-west relations. May the East and West prosper together!
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