On 15 May 1964, Willy Brandt, Leader of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) and Mayor of Berlin, delivers a noteworthy address to the Foreign Policy Association in New York on the political situation in Europe and in the world. He speculates, in particular, on why General de Gaulle is alone in enjoying the freedom of action afforded by developments in East-West relations to pursue a policy which is independent of the two great powers.