‘If we are discussing Europe today, Western Europe is concerned only. But we will not forget our Irridenta—the unfreed Europe—for a single moment! But what does it mean “not to forget”? That means above all to act keenly so that Western Europe, Western Germany included, will be considered a serious partner in the world. It is political nonsense, to wait passively and in the vain hope that those who pulled down the Iron Curtain would raise it again without political necessity. […] One thing is quite certain; Germany has to play a great and deciding part.’