The Netherlands Finance Ministry publishes an analysis of the interim report on the achievement by stages of economic and monetary union that the Werner Group is due to submit to the Council and the Commission.

Addressing the House of Representatives of the Dutch Parliament at its session on 15 October 1970, the Dutch Finance Minister Hendrikus Johannes Witteveen comments positively on the Werner Report, which was officially presented on 8 October 1970.

On 28 October 1970, Gerard Brouwers, Chairman of the Conjunctural Policy Committee and a member of the Werner Group, publishes an article in the Dutch journal Economisch-Statistisch Berichten in which he explains the principles and the substance of the plan by stages for an economic and monetary union devised by the ad hoc group.

On 21 December 1970, as part of the procedure for the adoption of the Netherlands’ national budget, the Standing Committee on Finance of the House of Representatives of the Dutch Parliament consults Finance Minister Hendrikus Johannes Witteveen on the drafting of a plan by stages for an economic and monetary union.

At the session of 5 November 1970, the members of the French National Assembly debate the Werner Report, particularly focusing on its implications for France’s sovereignty.

In this interview, Jacques de Larosière, former Treasury Director at the French Ministry of Finance, describes reactions in France following the publication of the Werner Report on the stage-by-stage creation of a European economic and monetary union. Jacques de Larosière particularly focuses on the establishment of the European monetary snake and the European Monetary Cooperation Fund (EMCF).

On 14 January 1971, in preparation for the French-German Summit on economic and monetary union due to be held on 25 and 26 January 1971, the French Ambassador to Bonn, Jean Sauvagnargues, sends a cable to his Foreign Ministry in which he outlines his discussions with German State Secretary von Braun. He highlights the German Federal Government’s concern to reduce the distance between the French and German positions, without wishing to go back over points on which agreement has already been reached.

In this diplomatic cable dated 16 December 1970, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Paris informs its Foreign Ministry and the Federal Ministry of the Economy of French reactions to the results of the Council of Ministers’ meeting on 14 and 15 December 1970 concerning economic and monetary union. The cable highlights the fact that France, due to take over the Presidency of the EC Council of Ministers on 1 January 1971, is keen to secure an agreement on the specific measures to put economic and monetary union into motion.

On 4 June 1970, Karl Klasen, President of the Bundesbank, sends a letter to German Chancellor Willy Brandt in which he sets out the positions of the various governments in the European Communities concerning the establishment of a plan by stages for economic and monetary union.

Draft statement dated 5 June 1970 by Karl Schiller, German Minister for the Economy, on the interim report of the ad hoc group. On 9 June he delivered this statement at the meeting of the Council of Ministers of the European Community in Luxembourg.

On 5 June 1970, Hans Tietmeyer, an official in the German Ministry of the Economy and alternate member of the Werner Group, submits a note to Karl Schiller, German Minister for the Economy, and Johann-Baptist Schöllhorn, State Secretary in the German Ministry of the Economy, in which he explains the Dutch position concerning the exchange equalisation fund and the narrowing of fluctuation margins.

On 20 July 1970, Jean Monnet, President of the Action Committee for the United States of Europe, sends Karl Schiller, German Minister for the Economy, a copy of the letter that he sent to the members of the Action Committee for the United States of Europe concerning the question of fixed and floating exchange rates, as well as a report on economic and monetary union drafted by monetary specialist Professor Robert Triffin.

In an address given on 7 September 1970 as part of the annual training course organised by the Bundesbank, Johann Baptist Schöllhorn, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of the Economy, gives a full summary of the question of economic and monetary union, as highlighted by the work of the Werner Committee, and sets out the German position on the subject.

On 18 September 1970, Jean Monnet, President of the Action Committee for the United States of Europe, sends a letter to Karl Schiller, German Minister for the Economy, in which he highlights the issue of the flexibility of exchange rates.

On 5 November 1970, the German daily newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung describes the reactions of the German Government to the European Commission's interpretation of the Werner Plan. Bonn believes that the Commission's proposals for the establishment by stages of an economic and monetary union are too restrictive and do not go far enough.

On 17 November 1970, in anticipation of Chancellor Willy Brandt’s visit to Rome, due to take place on 23 November 1970, the German Ministry of the Economy drafts a summary note setting out Germany’s position on the establishment of a European economic and monetary union.

On 29 December 1970, Pierre Werner, Luxembourg Minister of State, President of the Government and Finance Minister and chairman of the ad hoc group that drafted the plan by stages for an economic and monetary union, sends a personal letter to Willy Brandt, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), in which he expresses his concern at the fact that the Council has not yet taken a decision on the implementation of the first stage of the plan. He asks Willy Brandt to continue to support the establishment by stages of a European economic and monetary union. Pierre Werner sent similar letters to the Heads of Government of the other Member States.

On 1 February 1971, Willy Brandt, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), sends a personal letter to Pierre Werner, Luxembourg Prime Minister and Finance Minister, in which he reaffirms his support for the Werner Plan on the achievement by stages of a European economic and monetary union.

Note from the French Government dated 11 January 1971 on the official German declarations concerning economic and monetary union made during the year 1970.

On 30 January 1971, the French Ambassador to Bonn, Jean Sauvagnargues, sends a cable to the French Foreign Ministry in which he sets out the views of the German Federal Government on economic and monetary union. According to Karl Schiller, the German Minister for the Economy and Finance, the Federal Government’s position on this matter is still based on the Werner Report.

On 24 November 1970, the Belgian Government sets out its approach to economic and monetary union.

In a diplomatic telegram dated 2 June 1970, the Italian Foreign Ministry informs its Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels of the conclusions of the meeting of EEC Finance Ministers on 29 and 30 May 1970 in Venice, at which discussions were held concerning the interim Werner Report. The note reports that the final objectives for economic and monetary union as stipulated by the Werner Committee have been approved, and emphasises the need to take the work further (with the specific involvement of the Committee of Governors of the Central Banks) in order to draw up a final report.

In a diplomatic cable dated 3 December 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the Dutch position on the proposals by the EC Commission for the establishment by stages of economic and monetary union, drawn up on the basis of the Werner Report. The note also highlights the Belgian and French positions on this matter.

In a diplomatic cable dated 4 February 1970, the Italian Embassy in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of a confidential discussion between the Italian Ambassador and Étienne Davignon, Vice-President of the EC Commission, on the EEC Council meeting scheduled for 5 and 6 February 1970 to discuss the question of the deepening and widening of European integration.

In a cable sent to various bodies with responsibilities in the area of economic and monetary union — the Foreign Ministry, Ministry of the Treasury, Ministry of the Budget and Ministry of State Participation, as well as the Bank of Italy — the Italian Finance Ministry sets out its position on the first three-year stage of the Werner Report, due to run until 31 December 1973.

In a diplomatic cable dated 7 March 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the decision by the EEC Council, in accordance with point 8 of the final communiqué of the Hague Summit, to form a committee of experts chaired by Luxembourg Prime Minister Pierre Werner tasked with identifying the main options for the establishment of an economic and monetary union.

In a diplomatic cable dated 8 October 1970, the Italian Embassy in Luxembourg informs its Foreign Ministry of the reactions in the Luxembourg press to the results of the work by the Werner Committee, finalised the previous day, for the establishment of an economic and monetary union.

In a diplomatic cable dated 9 October 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the finalisation of the Werner Committee’s work and the unanimous approval of the plan by stages for the establishment of an economic and monetary union.

In a diplomatic cable dated 10 January 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry that the EC Commission has drafted a memorandum on short-term economic policy in the Member States for the year 1970 and comments on the situation and prospects of the Italian economy.

In a diplomatic cable dated 10 June 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the statement made by Pierre Werner, as well as various other views expressed regarding the establishment of economic and monetary union, at the meeting of the Council of Finance Ministers held the previous day. The main decision taken at this meeting was to further the work of the Werner Committee.

In a diplomatic cable dated 10 September 1970, the Italian Embassy in Luxembourg informs its Foreign Ministry about the press conference held by Prime Minister Pierre Werner regarding the joint meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors in Luxembourg to discuss monetary policy.

In a diplomatic cable dated 10 December 1970, the Italian Embassy in Bonn informs its Foreign Ministry of the German Foreign Ministry’s position on the Werner Report and its implementation, as well as on the question of UK accession to the EC.

In a diplomatic cable dated 11 December 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the differing opinions on some aspects of economic and monetary union as laid down in the Werner Report which have come to light in the lead-up to the meeting of the Council of Ministers scheduled for 14 and 15 December 1970. The main points of disagreement between the Member States concern the transfer of responsibilities from national to Community level and the procedure for the transition to the second stage of EMU.

In a diplomatic cable dated 12 January 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the Monetary Committee’s work on medium-term financial assistance mechanisms, as laid down in the Barre memorandum.

In a diplomatic cable dated 17 December 1970, the Italian Embassy in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the overnight meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers to discuss economic and monetary union and outlines the differences of opinion between France and Germany on the implementation of the Werner Report.

In a diplomatic cable dated 17 December 1970, the Italian Embassy in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the German Foreign Ministry’s reaction to the differences of opinion between France and Germany expressed at the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers to discuss economic and monetary union.

In a diplomatic cable dated 18 March 1970, the Italian Embassy in Luxembourg informs its Foreign Ministry of an opinion poll carried out by the international press that shows the deeply pro-European views held by the general public in Luxembourg.

In a diplomatic cable dated 20 May 1970, the Italian Embassy in Luxembourg informs its Foreign Ministry of the outcome of the official visit to Paris by Luxembourg Prime Minister Pierre Werner and Foreign Minister Gaston Thorn. As well as various bilateral issues, the talks between Georges Pompidou and Pierre Werner focused on France’s position on economic and monetary union and on UK accession to the EC.

In a diplomatic cable dated 20 October 1970, the Italian Embassy in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the outcome of the official visit to Bonn by Pierre Harmel, Belgian Foreign Minister, and of his talks with counterpart Walter Scheel and Federal Chancellor Willy Brandt. One of the main subjects raised was the implementation of the Werner Report.

In a diplomatic cable dated 23 January 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the conclusions of the working meeting held by Commission Vice-President Raymond Barre with the permanent representatives of the Six to discuss the development of short-term economic policy in the Member States and to prepare the forthcoming session of the Council of Ministers on economic and monetary issues.

In a diplomatic cable dated 23 November 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the conclusions drawn by Karl Schiller, German Minister for the Economy and President-in-Office of the Council of Ministers of the EC. On this basis, the permanent representatives of the Member States are to draw up specific proposals and a resolution for the implementation of the Werner Report which are to be submitted to the meeting of the Council of Ministers on 14 December 1970.

In a diplomatic cable dated 23 December 1970, the Italian Embassy in Brussels informs its Foreign Minister of the address given by Luxembourg Foreign Minister Gaston Thorn to the American and Common Market Club at its meeting on 16 December in Brussels. In his address, Gaston Thorn raised the question of the future prospects for European integration and highlighted the Werner Report, particularly the creation of a monetary cooperation fund and a new institutional architecture that meets the requirements of economic and monetary union.

In a diplomatic cable dated 25 November 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the conclusions of the EC Council of Ministers meeting chaired by Karl Schiller, which saw an initial exchange of views on the Werner Report and the Commission’s proposals for the establishment by stages of an economic and monetary union.

In a diplomatic cable dated 27 January 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC informs its Foreign Ministry of the conclusions of the EC Council of Ministers meeting to examine economic and financial issues.

In a diplomatic cable dated 27 January 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the address given by Raymond Barre regarding the Commission memorandum to the Council on the overall medium-term guidelines (1971–1975) for economic policy in the Community, and outlines the discussions held on this subject.

In a diplomatic cable dated 27 January 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the decision by the EC Council of Ministers setting out the procedures for consultation between the Member States for the coordination of short-term economic policies and the examination of the short-term financial assistance mechanism.

In a diplomatic cable dated 27 October 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the presentation by Pierre Werner of the plan by stages for economic and monetary union in the Community at the EC Council of Ministers meeting, and outlines various viewpoints on this subject.

In a diplomatic cable dated 29 January 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the meeting of the EC Council of Ministers to examine economic and financial issues, and outlines the conclusions of this meeting, which emphasise the need for a period of reflection during 1970 on the establishment of economic and monetary union.

In a diplomatic cable dated 31 October 1970, the Italian Permanent Representation to the EEC in Brussels informs its Foreign Ministry of the position adopted by the EC Commission with regard to the Werner Report.

In a confidential note drafted on 24 February 1971 for his superiors, Hans Tietmeyer, senior official in the Federal Ministry of the Economy, summarises the questions raised during the meeting between the Federal Minister for the Economy and Finance and the Italian Ambassador to Bonn, Luciolli. Their discussions focused on cooperation between France and Germany, particularly with a view to setting the Werner Report in motion, and the need to implement a regional policy from the first stage.