Relations between France and Federal Republic of Germany during the presidency of Georges Pompidou

The article, based on documents from the archives of the French Foreign Ministry and modern French historiography, shows the development of Franco-West German relations in the late 1960s - early 1970s. The emphasis is on France's perception of the new "Eastern policy" of the Federal Republic of Germany. The successful implementation of Bonn's Ostpolitik was supposed to contribute to the development of economic ties between East and West, which was in line with French interests. The activities of the Federal Republic of Germany could also lead to the normalization of relations with the GDR, recognition of the existence of two German states and, thus, to the legal consolidation of the division of Germany, which was also beneficial to the French. However, in the long term, Brandt's policies could lead to the unification of Germany and a change in the post-war world order. A united Germany would inevitably become the leader of the European continent in economic and political terms, which was already contrary to the interests of France. Accordingly, French policy towards Brandt's actions was ambivalent. The article also shows the development of economic contacts between Paris and Bonn during the presidency of Georges Pompidou. In particular, an analysis was carried out of complex negotiations on cooperation in the aviation and space fields, which ultimately made it possible to create the Airbus company and implement the Ariane program.