PROTOCOLS TO THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY OF 1949 ON THE ACCESSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF FINLAND AND THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN
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MESSAGE
from
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
transmitting
PROTOCOLS TO THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY OF 1949 ON THE ACCESSION OF THE
REPUBLIC OF FINLAND AND THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
July 11, 2022.–Treaty was read the first time, and together with the accompanying papers, referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations and ordered to be printed for the use of the Senate
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U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
29-118 WASHINGTON : 2022
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
———-
The White House, July 11, 2022.
To the Senate of the United States:
I transmit herewith, for the advice and consent of the
Senate to its ratification, the Protocols to the North Atlantic
Treaty of 1949 on the Accession of the Republic of Finland and
the Kingdom of Sweden (the “Protocols”). The Protocols were
signed in Brussels on July 5, 2022, on behalf of the United
States and the other Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty. Also
transmitted for the information of the Senate is an overview of
the Protocols by the Department of State. Full ratification of
the Protocols will allow Finland and Sweden to become Parties
to the North Atlantic Treaty and members of the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (NATO).
Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which outlines
NATO’s Open Door policy, is part of the doctrinal foundation of
the Alliance. It states that Allies may, by unanimous consent,
invite any other European State in a position to further the
principles of the Treaty and to contribute to the security of
the North Atlantic area to accede. As further explained in the
reports on the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO,
transmitted to the Congress on May 19 and July 1, 2022, in
light of section 3(2)(E) of the Resolution of Advice and
Consent to Ratification of the Protocols to the North Atlantic
Treaty of 1949 on the Accession of Poland, Hungary, and the
Czech Republic of April 30, 1998, Finland and Sweden more than
meet these qualifications. They will be net contributors to the
Alliance, in both capabilities and resources, and they share
critically important values with the United States. Finland’s
and Sweden’s accession will help further United States
priorities within NATO.
I ask the Senate to continue working with my Administration
in advancing a strong and free Europe by providing its prompt
advice and consent to ratification of the Protocols. We are
encouraging all Allies to act expeditiously in their own
ratification processes as well, given current global
considerations. My Administration stands ready to brief and
assist you in your deliberations.
Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL
———-
Department of State,
Washington, July 6, 2022.
The President,
The White House.
I have the honor to submit to you, with a view to its
transmittal to the Senate for advice and consent to
ratification, the Protocols to the North Atlantic Treaty on the
Accession of the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Sweden
(“Protocols”). A brief Overview of the Protocols is also
enclosed. The Protocols were opened for signature at Brussels
on July 5, 2022, and were signed that day on behalf of the
United States of America and the other parties to the North
Atlantic Treaty.
The Protocols propose allowing Finland and Sweden to become
parties to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949, which would make
them members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
with all the privileges and responsibilities that apply to
current NATO Allies. The core commitment to Finland and Sweden
will be embodied in the existing text of the North Atlantic
Treaty, including the central collective defense provision in
Article 5. I believe Finland and Sweden merit this commitment
on our part, that they share our common commitment to
democratic values, and are prepared to act as responsible Allies.
Finland and Sweden will be net contributors to the
Alliance, and it is in the national interest of the United
States to support them strongly and publicly. They are vibrant
democracies and capable military partners. Their foreign
policies are underpinned by a commitment to the rules-based
international system, human rights, democracy, peace, freedom,
and equality in all international activities. Their commitment
to the principles of the North Atlantic Treaty, location on the
Baltic Sea, dynamic economies, military strength and
interoperability, proven record of contributing to NATO
operations, historical experience with Russia, and High North
capabilities will make them assets to the Alliance.
The accession of Finland and Sweden to the North Atlantic
Treaty and their membership in the NATO Alliance will advance
U.S. priorities within the organization and across the region.
I therefore request that the Senate grant its advice and
consent to ratification of these Protocols, after due
deliberation, without hesitation.
Respectfully submitted,
Antony J. Blinken.
Enclosures: As stated.
