Petersberg Accord signed

Even after the Federal Republic of Germany was founded, the three victorious Western Powers, the USA, Great Britain and France, retained „supremacy in the state“. Since taking office two months prior, Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer (CDU) had been endeavouring to expand the young democracy’s scope of activities.

© marcuse The famous carpet-scene at the Petersberg: Chancellor Adenauer steps onto the carpet reserved for the High Commissioners only - and noone dares to put the very old politician in his place

On 22 November 1949 the Allied High Commissioners and Federal Chancellor Adenauer sign the „Petersberg Accord“ which allows the Federal Republic to establish consular relationships with other nations and to join international organisations. For the most part, this brings an end to industrial dismantlings on West German territory. However, the Federal Republic has to accept international control of the Ruhr District with its important coal and steel industries. On 30 November the Federal Government will join the International Ruhr Authority.