AP Was There: 1975 summit at French castle plants seed for future G7 club of wealthy nations

From left: Premier Aldo Moro of Italy, Premier Harold Wilson of the Great Britain, President Gerald Ford of the United States, President Valery Giscard d'Estaing of France, Chacellor Helmut Schmidt of West Germany and Premier Takeo Miki of Japan, the six heads of state and government, pose for a group portrait during the Economic and Monetary summit meeting at the Chateau de Rambouillet, West of Paris, Nov. 17, 1975. (AP Photo, File)2026-06-13T07:02:09Z EDITOR’S NOTE: When U.S. President Gerald Ford and leaders of five other leading democracies gathered for talks at a castle outside Paris on Nov. 15, 1975, they planted the seed for what subsequently became the Group of Seven nations. The initial six industrial powers that huddled at the Château de Rambouillet for three days of brainstorming about fixes for the global economy became the G7 the following year when Canada joined the elite club.During and after the Cold War, the G7 became a powerful tool of influence, enabling Western allies and Japan to hammer out common positions not only on economic issues but also their foreign policy and security priorities. The combined economic, industrial, military, and diplomatic strength of G7 nations ensures the summits they hold annually, rotating hosting duties, are always major news events. The next G7 summit is in France next week. As part of its coverage, The Associated Press is republishing extracts of the story that AP correspondent Arthur L. Gavshon wrote on the first day of the inaugural summit in 1975, hosted by French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing and also including the leaders of West Germany, the U.K., Italy and Japan, as well as Ford. ___By ARTHUR L. GAVSHONRAMBOUILLET (AP) — President Ford called on leaders of five other major industrial nations Saturday to set themselves the task of transforming the world’s economic slump into prosperity by 1977. Read More Addressing the opening session of an economic summit meeting amid the splendor of the 14th-century Chateau de Rambouillet, Ford “categorically rejected the view” that expansion in the industrial world is impossible at pre-recession rates, an aide told newsmen.He added that Ford said America’s economic recovery has been stronger than anticipated and forecast a growth rate of between 6 and 7 percent through 1976.The first meeting with leaders of France, Britain, West Germany, Japan, and Italy began shortly after the President arrived at the historic chateau, 30 miles south of Paris. The free-flowing talks broke nearly three hours later for dinner, and the host, French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, told newsmen: “I am optimistic. I think we can arrive at something concrete.” Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. A French spokesman said the leaders were reaching “a remarkable convergence of views.” British officials indicated a consensus was emerging that the worst of the economic downturn might already be over.Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger struck the same positive note, saying the meeting “went very well.”The dinner was remarkably simple in comparison with the usual fare for a state occasion in France and was in line with the low-key approach favored by the French.Stuffed chicken was the main course, with wines that were good but not spectacular.In other developments at the six-nation talks:— Japanese Prime Minister Takeo Miki who reported his country has been hurt by a decline in world trade, began pressing immediately for a freer flow of international commerce.— British Prime Minister Harold Wilson disclosed through aides he wants his fellow leaders to back up a plan for a new and strengthened world code to check the spread of nuclear know-how, equipment, and weapons. — Ford will join Giscard d’Estaing and Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro Sunday morning for services at the Roman Catholic church in Poigny la Forêt, a 10-minute drive from the chateau.The setting was priceless furniture and statuary trucked from the Louvre for the occasion, but the mood at the start of the summit was that of a relayed businessmen’s weekend seminar.“It’s just a beautiful place here,” said Ford as President Valery Giscard d’Estaing of France led the participants from six nations into the pink and gray hall of marble at the chateau where Louis XVI passed idle hours and Napoleon his last night in France before banishment to St. Helena.“The facilities are really gorgeous,” Ford said to Giscard d’Estaing. “It’s very comfortable.”“I hope you feel as positive about all this afterwards,” Giscard d’Estaing shot back with a laugh. Then he called out “Helmut, oh Helmut,” as West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt entered the room. The relayed mood also was apparent in the dress of the leaders. Giscard d’Estaing wore a greenish twee