ABSTRACT
The visible Soviet uncertainty strengthened the conviction of both Washington and Bonn that Moscow would come around. George Bush went to considerable lengths to maintain the appearance of equal superpower status for the Soviets, including signing a trade agreement. Just before, James Baker had delivered to Moscow “nine assurances” responding “to Soviet concerns regarding German unification.” There were no new concessions, but the paper was drafted to impress the Soviets with how sincerely the United States kept their interests in mind. Hans-Dietrich Genscher flew directly to Paris for the final two-plus-four session guaranteeing the Polish border. French Foreign Minister Roland Dumas presided, but a French commentator noted that Paris had contributed nothing to the diplomacy but champagne to celebrate. Diplomacy found a winning formula by reference to the acceptable principle of self-determination. A new Europe and, perhaps, a new diplomacy were arising from the re-suit.
