Other titles:WHY NATO? [Alternative Title]
I PERCHE DELLA NATO [Italian Main Title]
NATO DOCUMENTARIES [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: 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.
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.
With the use of archive film it is explained how in Czechoslovakia, Russia came to broaden its sphere of influence in Europe. Trying also 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 the 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; the political structure and decision making process of NATO members and finally the necessity for continued cooperation 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).
Alternative Title:WHY NATO? [Alternative Title]
I PERCHE DELLA NATO [Italian Main Title]
NATO DOCUMENTARIES [Allocated Series Title]
Colour:B&W
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:NAT 2024
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:IWM NATO
Featured Period:
Production Date:1957
Production Country:
Production Details: NATO INFORMATION SERVICE (Production company)
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Production sponsor)
McKechnie, James (Production cast)
Murrow, Edward Roscoe1908-04-251965-04-27US radio reporter and commentator: "Ed" (Production cast)
