A combination of strong defense and effective détente has become part of NATO’s DNA and what it is today. At the origin of this principle lies the Harmel Report, issued in 1967.
In the late 1960s, NATO had to find new ways to respond to new challenges. The Berlin crisis had been a reality check for its strategy of massive retaliation and France’s withdrawal from the integrated military structure was a shock to Allied solidarity. There were also fears that NATO would cease to exist since, according to its founding treaty, members could withdraw from the Alliance after 20 years of its existence.
Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Pierre Harmel provided a powerful response to this situation with the Harmel Report, issued on 14 December 1967. This report introduced the idea that pursuing a strong defense was not in conflict with pursuing détente with the Soviet Union and that NATO had a role to play in both.
This concept has stood the test of time and has become one of NATO’s core principles. In December this year, NATO is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Report.
Footage includes interviews with one of the drafters of the Report, Pierre Harmel’s Head of Staff, along with interviews with Harmel’s biographer, one of Pierre Harmel’s sons and the current Belgian Ambassador to NATO.
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