During the past few years I have led a sometimes hard battle for German foreign policy.

In every man the memory of the struggles and the heroes of the past is alive. But these memories are not incompatible with the desire for peace in the future.

The great men of a nation reach out to all mankind. They are unifying, not divisive; internationally conciliating and still great nationally.

I must begin by saying something about the old Germany. That Germany, too, suffered from superficial judgment, because appearances and reality were not always kept apart in people's minds.

Just as the child is father to the man, so the impressions of one's youth remain the most vivid in manhood.

During the past few years I have led a sometimes hard battle for German foreign policy.

To contrast national solidarity and international cooperation as two opposites seems foolish to me.