On April 5, 1949, the Brussels Treaty Powers addressed a request to the United States Government for military aid. “Since the signature of the Brussels Treaty the five governments [United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg] have had under consideration a common defence programme. Convinced of the necessity for such a programme, they believe that its formulation and application must be based on entire solidarity between them. They have reached the conclusion that if this defence programme is to be effective the material assistance of the United States Government is essential…”