ABSTRACT
The so-called ‘Geneva Meetings’1 involving leading politicians from West European Christian democratic parties took place regularly from 1947 to 1956. This was a closed circle that held confidential talks about issues that needed to be kept secret. The idea of having periodic meetings of politicians originated in Switzerland. The notion of forming a confidential circle was the result of a German-French initiative.2 Johann Jakob KindtKiefer3 and Victor Koutzine provided the inspiration.4 The main topic of the discussions was the Franco-German relationship. In addition, they wanted to create a common platform for leading Christian democrats to co-ordinate their views regarding the Marshall Plan.5 Along with the wish for a post-war rapprochement within Western Europe, the point of departure for the initiative was the desire for German emancipation from the occupation forces to take place as swiftly as possible.6
