Copy of NATO

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Zoe Materi

Shanelle Mowbray

& Joelle Hawman

The Berlin Blockade

In December, 1946, the Russians were concerned with the strength of the allied forces. In July of 1948, Joseph Stalin (leader of Russia) readied his troops and left to go invade West Berlin. Their goal was to get Berlin to leave the allies.

In May, 1949, Stalin called off his attempts in the blockade because he saw that he was failing.

The blockade increased tension and concerns of how Western Europe was very vulnerable to attack from Stalin’s army and communist Russia.

The Formation of NATO

The Brussels Treaty

Upon the United States announcing that they would only agree to help Europe by providing military support if it were united, and to respond to the recent events that added threat of Soviet aggression, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom created the Western Union by signing the Brussels Treaty in March, 1948.

This alliance was designed to strengthen ties between contributing members and became the basis for the Washington Treaty. The Blockade of West Berlin brought the American government into agreement that the threat of the Soviets was serious and needed a plan of action, so, the US Senate introduced the Vandenberg Resolution, allowing the United States to “constitutionally participate in a mutual defence system in times of peace” (enter the military treaties with foreign states).

Both the Brussels Treaty and the adoption of the Vandenberg Resolution in the US were critical to the formation of the Washington Treaty.

On April 4, 1949, a Monday afternoon, the North Atlantic Treaty (more commonly known as the Washington Treaty) was signed in the Departmental Auditorium in Washington D.C. between ministers from 12 countries:

The original text of the Washington Treaty has never been modified, nor have the goals of the Alliance ever been changed. Being only 14 articles long, it is one of the shortest treaty documents of its kind. Each article was carefully worded over the course of several months of negotiation and discussion before the treaty was signed in 1949.

Representatives from Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States made up the main writing team of the Washington Treaty, but also received assistance from the other powers involved in the Brussels Treaty. The Washington Paper, published on September 9, 1948, outlined possible future articles for the Treaty after “six-power talks” took place between these international powers. They agreed that if there was to be an attack on one of the members, it would be considered an attack on everyone.

Articles of the Washington Treaty

"The Parties undertake, as set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, to settle any international dispute in which they may be involved by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered, and to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations."

"The Parties will contribute toward the further development of peaceful and friendly international relations by strengthening their free institutions, by bringing about a better understanding of the principles upon which these institutions are founded, and by promoting conditions of stability and well-being. They will seek to eliminate conflict in their international economic policies and will encourage economic collaboration between any or all of them."

"In order more effectively to achieve the objectives of this Treaty, the Parties, separately and jointly, by means of continuous and effective self-help and mutual aid, will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack."

"The Parties will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the Parties is threatened."

"The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area."

"Any such armed attack and all measures taken as a result thereof shall immediately be reported to the Security Council. Such measures shall be terminated when the Security Council has taken the measures necessary to restore and maintain international peace and security."

"For the purpose of Article 5, an armed attack on one or more of the Parties is deemed to include an armed attack:

• on the territory of any of the Parties in Europe or North America, on the Algerian Departments of France, on the territory of or on the Islands under the jurisdiction of any of the Parties in the North Atlantic area north of the Tropic of Cancer;
• on the forces, vessels, or aircraft of any of the Parties, when in or over these territories or any other area in Europe in which occupation forces of any of the Parties were stationed on the date when the Treaty entered into force or the Mediterranean Sea or the North Atlantic area north of the Tropic of Cancer."

"This Treaty does not affect, and shall not be interpreted as affecting in any way the rights and obligations under the Charter of the Parties which are members of the United Nations, or the primary responsibility of the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security."

"Each Party declares that none of the international engagements now in force between it and any other of the Parties or any third State is in conflict with the provisions of this Treaty, and undertakes not to enter into any international engagement in conflict with this Treaty."

"The Parties hereby establish a Council, on which each of them shall be represented, to consider matters concerning the implementation of this Treaty. The Council shall be so organised as to be able to meet promptly at any time. The Council shall set up such subsidiary bodies as may be necessary; in particular it shall establish immediately a defence committee which shall recommend measures for the implementation of Articles 3 and 5."

"After the Treaty has been in force for ten years, or at any time thereafter, the Parties shall, if any of them so requests, consult together for the purpose of reviewing the Treaty, having regard for the factors then affecting peace and security in the North Atlantic area, including the development of universal as well as regional arrangements under the Charter of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security."

"This Treaty, of which the English and French texts are equally authentic, shall be deposited in the archives of the Government of the United States of America. Duly certified copies will be transmitted by that Government to the Governments of other signatories."

Member Countries

Countries become members of NATO upon signing the North Atlantic Treaty (the Washington Treaty).

Member Countries and Years they Joined NATO

*Founding Countries

NATO's first Headquarters was established in London, England in 1949.

As NATO grew and more space was needed, Headquarters was moved to Paris in 1952.

It was first located at the Palais de Chaillot, then moved to Porte Dauphine in 1960.

France withdrew from NATO's military structure in 1966, so the Headquarters was moved once again.

NATO's headquarters is now located in Brussels, Belgium.

Purpose

NATO Shortly After WW2

NATO’s main purpose is to protect the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. It was formed to defend member nations against large number troops in pro-communist countries.

Politically, it promotes democratic values and encourages consultation and cooperation on defense and security issues in order to build trust and prevent conflict.

Militarily, NATO is committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes. If the diplomatic efforts fail, there is a large enough military to undertake the crisis-management operations. These were carried out by Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, which was NATO’s founding treaty, signed in 1949.

Decisions & Consultations

The “NATO Decision” is the expression of the collective will of all member countries since all decisions are taken by consensus.

Every day, many civilians, military experts and officials come to NATO to share information, ideas, and help make decisions when needed.

Collective Defense

This group of countries is committed so that if there is an attack against one or several members of the organization, it is considered an attack against all.

This is called the “Principle of Collective Defense”. It is found in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty.

This article has only been used once: during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

Operations & Missions

NATO takes an active role in crisis-management operations and missions, including civil emergency operations.

NATO’s mission has since expanded to prevent nuclear war.

Responding To Threats

NATO Working Structures

Nuclear Planning Group

When it comes to nuclear policy issues, the nuclear planning group has equal authority as the NAC.

NATO Delegations

North Atlantic Council

Primary decision making group at NATO; every member country has a seat at the NAC and meet at least once a week at various levels or whenever a meeting is necessary; the chair is the Secretary General who assists in bringing the members to an agreement of key issues.

Subordinate Committees

A network of several committees that deal with all issues on NATO’s agenda, from politics to technicalities; brings together national representatives from all member countries on a regular basis.

Secretary General

NATO’s top international civil servant and spokesperson; steers decision-making and ensures that actions are implemented; head of the International Staff, providing advice, guidance and administrative support to national meetings at NATO headquarters.

Lord Ismay

(NATO's 1st Secretary General)

Anders Fogh Rasmussen

(NATO's current Secretary General)

Member Countries

Military Representatives

Military Committee

The Military Committee includes the Chiefs of Defense from all of the member countries, the International Military Staff (which is the Military Committee’s executive group), and the military command structure which is made up of Allied Command Operations and Allied Command Transformation; since NATO does not have many permanent military forces of its own, members contribute forces on a voluntary basis when the NAC agrees on an operation.

Allied Command

Operations

Allied Command

Transformation

NATO Agencies

Specialize in procurement, support, communications and information and are a crucial part of NATO when it comes to organization and sustaining capabilities collectively.

The Transatlantic Link

NATO's Policy

NATO’s policy is based on two principles:

1

2

Main Objectives

The main objectives of NATO are:

To live in peace with all people in all governments

To promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area

To unite their efforts for collective defense and for the preservation of peace and security

NATO vs Warsaw

NATO Today

NATO is based on The Transatlantic Link, which is an alliance of countries from Europe and North America. It provides a unique link between these two continents for consultation and cooperation in defense and security as well as in crisis-management.

Palais de Chaillot

The Washington Treaty

Belgium: Paul-Henri Spaak

Canada: Lester B. Pearson

Denmark: Gustav Rasmussen

France: Robert Schuman

Iceland: Bjarni Benediktsson

Italy: Count Carlo Sforza

Luxembourg: Joseph Bech

The Netherlands: Dr. D.U. Stikker

Norway: Halvard M. Lange

Portugal: Dr. Jose Caerio da Matta

The United Kingdom: Ernest Bevin

The United States: Dean Acheson

Article 11

"This Treaty shall be ratified and its provisions carried out by the Parties in accordance with their respective constitutional processes. The instruments of ratification shall be deposited as soon as possible with the Government of the United States of America, which will notify all the other signatories of each deposit. The Treaty shall enter into force between the States which have ratified it as soon as the ratifications of the majority of the signatories, including the ratifications of Belgium, Canada, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States, have been deposited and shall come into effect with respect to other States on the date of the deposit of their ratifications."

"The Parties to this Treaty reaffirm their faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their desire to live in peace with all peoples and all governments.

They are determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law.

They seek to promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area.

They are resolved to unite their efforts for collective defence and for the preservation of peace and security. They therefore agree to this North Atlantic Treaty:"

Article 6

Article 1

Article 12

Article 7

Article 8

Article 2

"After the Treaty has been in force for twenty years, any Party may cease to be a Party one year after its notice of denunciation has been given to the Government of the United States of America, which will inform the Governments of the other Parties of the deposit of each notice of denunciation."

Article 13

Article 3

Article 4

Article 9

Article 14

NATO, December 9, 2008. “The North Atlantic Treaty” [Online]. Available: http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-5EA39194-89422FE0/natolive/official_texts_17120.htm [2013, May]

Article 5

"The Parties may, by unanimous agreement, invite any other European State in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area to accede to this Treaty. Any State so invited may become a Party to the Treaty by depositing its instrument of accession with the Government of the United States of America. The Government of the United States of America will inform each of the Parties of the deposit of each such instrument of accession."

Article 10

NATO provides an opportunity for member countries to consult and make decisions on security issues at all levels and in a variety of fields.

2004

1952

NATO membership is open to “any other European state in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area.”

Bulgaria

Estonia

Latvia

Lithuania

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

1982

Greece

Turkey

Spain

Greece and Turkey joined NATO on February 18, 1952, three years after the Washington Treaty was signed, reinforcing NATO’s “southern flank”. During this time, the fear of spreading communism was ever present throughout Europe and the rest of the world, so extending security to south-eastern Europe helped reinforce security and stop the impending threat of expanding communism.

http://www.nato.int/nato-welcome/index.html

On May 30, 1982, Spain joined NATO, but decided to not participate in the military structure. However, they still played an active role in political decisions and Spanish forces would still help NATO forces in the event of an emergency. In 1996, Spain joined NATO’s integrated military command structure.

On March 29, 2004, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia became members of the Alliance. This was the largest wave of enlargement in NATO history.

Upon signing the Washington Treaty, member countries are making a commitment to participate in the political consultations and military activities that NATO enforces. Every signatory is bound to the articles of the treaty, however members receive some flexibility.

1955

1949

2009

1999

Germany

Czech Republic

Hungary

Poland

NATO's first Secretary General was Lord Ismay of Britain, appointed on April 4, 1952. He served for five years until May 16, 1957. To date, NATO has had 12 Secretary Generals, and, as per tradition, the position is always held by a European. Anders Fogh Rasmussen of Denmark currently holds the position.

Albania

Croatia

Germany joined NATO on May 6, 1955 after several years of deliberation in order to integrate the country into West European defense structures.

The Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland became the first former members of the Warsaw Pact to join NATO on March 12, 1999.

Belgium

Canada

Denmark

France

Iceland

Italy

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Norway

Portugal

The United Kingdom

The United States

In January of 1948, Ernest Bevin, Britain’s Foreign Secretary, expressed the need for a “treaty of alliance and mutual assistance.” The idea was to create a defensive alliance and grouping of international members that fell within the ideas of the UN Charter.

NATO has been transforming continuously for many years to make sure it has the policies, capabilities and structures that are required to deal with current or future threats, if they occur.

NATO was formed for the reason that the Western Allies were becoming concerned with the Soviet Union (USSR) and thought that the USSR may attempt to create communism in some nations that didn’t want communism. The reality of the threat became prominent when the USSR surrounded West Berlin and revoked Eastern Europeans the democratic governments that were promised.

The “East-West” divide between Soviet and Western powers was fuelled by conflicting interests and political ideologies and gradually re-emerged as WWII came to an end. Tensions flared due to events like the Berlin blockade of 1948, the coup in Czechoslovakia in June of that same year, and direct threats to the sovereignty of Norway, Greece, and Turkey.

In the mid 1950’s the U.S. and other NATO members allowed West Germany to become apart of the alliance and letting it form an army, but under tight restrictions.

To this, the Soviets responded with a warning that if this were to happen, they would make new security arrangements in their own sphere of influence, and they were true to their word.

On May 5th, West Germany joined NATO resulting in the Warsaw Pact being signed about two weeks later on May 14th.

The countries that signed with the Warsaw Alliance were Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Romania.

As the Soviet Union’s power grew and their communist ways spread throughout some of Eastern Europe, Western Europe became concerned that they too would be forced to succumb to the Soviet Union’s ways. Since 1945, Western governments had been demobilizing their forces, but as the threat of spreading communism became more and more prevalent, something had to change.

The alliance was proven more handy to “exercise” even more control over the communist states in eastern Europe and to block members from creating freedom.

The Warsaw Pact was intent with creating a defense with its alliance to defend themselves in the case of an enemy attack, just like NATO.

To maintain adequate military strength and political unity to deter aggression and other forms of military or political pressure.

To pursue a policy that is aimed at the relaxation of tensions between East and West. It is a policy based to a large extent on general military strength.

An example of this is when the Soviets found the need to use military forces to end the revolts in Hungary in 1956 and in Czechoslovakia in 1968 and instead of this action being named after the USSR, it was named responsible by the Warsaw Pact.

In a way the creation of the Warsaw pact was a response to NATO, however, Warsaw was not created until 6 years after NATO was formed.

But more of the reason of the creation of Warsaw was inspired from the remaining West Germany and their contribution to NATO in 1955.

To date, NATO has 28 member countries and has extended their mission to dealing with other issues around the world.