Today, 71 years ago, on 2 October 1954 (Calendar 6 September 1954), the Federal Germany joined NATO. On 2 October 1954, West Germany took another step on its path from an enemy to an ally. Though France was concerned that West Germany was rebuilding its arms, Western allies still agreed to accept it as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Two months ago, France prevented West Germany from joining the newly established European Defence Alliance. British Foreign Minister Sir Anthony-Aden and West German Prime Minister Kondra-Adenna played a key role in reaching an agreement to retain the United States and British troops in West Germany.