Treaty of Brussels

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The Brussels Pact

A Western European Union

Signed on March 17, 1948 between Belgium, Britain, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, the Brussels Pact was similar to NATO in the sense that it promised a mutual defence against any aggression from any quarter. The Soviet Union was seen as a particular threat, and the capitulation of power in Prague, on February 22, to the Soviets, had had a major impact on France's joining. The Pact featured cultural and social clauses, concepts for the setting up of a 'Consultative Council'. The basis for this was that a cooperation between Western nations would help stop the spread of Communism.

Prelude to NATO

Membership of the United States was desired, since it was such a powerful force and a vital asset in keeping together such an alliance; to pin it in place. There was rapid response to this idea, and secret meetings had already begun by the end of March, where American, Canadian and British officials negotiated over the concept. Eventually, it would lead to the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.