[Senate Treaty Document 117-3]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



117th Congress      } 				{           Treaty Doc.
SENATE
 2d Session         }                           {              117-3
_______________________________________________________________________

 
PROTOCOLS TO THE NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY OF 1949 ON THE ACCESSION OF THE 
             REPUBLIC OF FINLAND AND THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN

                               __________

                                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

		 
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 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
            
            		       __________
            		       
		
		
		     U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE  		       
            
29-118			   WASHINGTON : 2022            
            
            
            
            
                         LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

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                                    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

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                                       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.
    
 
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