‘I feel the impression within this hall which is a symbol of the resurrection of Germany, of a peaceable, free Germany, but also a divided Germany. And as a European, a French European as myself I admit that we empathize with our German brothers about how unbearable this situation is and we hope very much that the unity of Germany will be restored in a peaceful manner. Along with this I […] am convinced that the central problem in our strivings for Europe has admittedly been between Germany and France and that there could not have been a solution for Europe as long as this problem was not solved. It is solved and a meeting like this one today is the best proof of this.’