70th Anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty

Featured Document
03/22/2019 - 10 a.m. - 04/02/2019 - 05:30 p.m.
West Rotunda Gallery
In honor of the NATO 70th Anniversary Summit, the National Archives and Records Administration is pleased to display this landmark treaty of international cooperation.

On April 4, 1949, in his brief remarks at the treaty signing ceremony, President Harry S. Truman said the North Atlantic Treaty “would create a shield against aggression and fear of aggression--a bulwark which will permit us to get on with the real business of . . .achieving a fuller and happier life for all of our citizens.”  In honor of the NATO 70th Anniversary Summit, the National Archives and Records Administration is pleased to display this landmark treaty of international cooperation.

Displayed here is Article 5 of the treaty which reads: "The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all….”

The display includes this photo of Secretary of State Dean Acheson signing the Treaty and President Truman looking over his shoulder.  The signing took place at the Mellon Auditorium on April 4, 1949.

Page 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty showing Article 5
North Atlantic Treaty, showing Article 5, April 4, 1949. National Archives, General Records of the United States Government View in National Archives Catalog