Permanent representations drive on détente
The policy of détente between West and East required intensive diplomacy to diffuse tensions and maintain good relations. Whilst the DDR was desperate for international recognition as an independent state, West Germany wanted a transit route to West Berlin and the ability to intervene to help ordinary East Germans. All this was complicated by the West German constitutional imperative never to lose sight of the goal of reunification.
In an attempt to square the circle, 1972 saw the two states conclude a treaty establishing diplomatic relations, whilst an agreement signed on 14 March 1974 specified that they would not exchange diplomatic missions, but establish “permanent representatives” in each of their capital cities. Although these diplomats enjoyed the rank and trappings of an official ambassador, West German constitutional niceties meant that only the DDR used this term.
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