Description
Object description
A historical account of the events leading to the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), initially focusing on NATO's European military headquarters (SHAPE). The film also explains why NATO is fundamental to ensuring that a lasting peace can be maintained in Europe.
Content description
('A' Version) Starting from the end of the Second World War, the film takes a brief look at the key events that lead to the founding of NATO in 1949. The major post-war conferences at Yalta and Potsdam are used as examples of where East and West began to consolidate into separate groups, and where Russia's military ambition in Europe became apparent. Archive film is used to explain how, in Czechoslovakia, Russia came to broaden its sphere of influence in Europe. Reference is also made regarding the Soviets historical attempts to influence Turkey and support communist rebels in Greece. The role of the Marshall Plan in rebuilding post-war Europe, the Berlin blockade, shared democratic values and the signing of the Atlantic Treaty in Washington are all covered.
Focusing on the development of SHAPE, a sequence follows the first Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Dwight D Eisenhower, as he tours all fourteen NATO countries asking for their guaranteed military support. Continuing with the theme of SHAPE, it is explained how the first headquarters was established at the Hotel Astoria in Paris, before moving out to the Marly-Le-Roi area. The establishment and structure of the various commands are also covered.
The transitions of SACEUR's, from Eisenhower, to General Ridgeway, to General Gruenther and then General Nordstad, are touched upon. The political structure and decision making process of NATO members is emphasised and finally the necessity for continued co-operation between members, to ensure lasting peace.
('C' Version) The second version of this film covers the same or similar content but in a different order. There is more focus on the contemporary NATO infrastructure, the institutions and cultural identity of Britain, Italy, France, Portugal, Greece, Canada, Turkey the United States of America and Germany. This includes: the British Royal family, industry, science, agriculture, sport and history. Some of the locations and personalities have also changed, to be more up-to-date. The second version also includes an intro and an outro, intended to provide context. Much of the content is replicated in another NATO documentary: The Atlantic Decade (NAT 2029).
Physical description
35mm