Bonn, Paris OK Joint Army Unit

Chancellor Helmut Kohl and President Francois Mitterrand signed accords today to create a joint French-West German army brigade and to coordinate the defense and economic policies of the two former enemies.

The new step in cooperation between the two nations, who fought each other three times in 100 years, was the centerpiece of observances marking the 25th anniversary of the French-West German friendship treaty. (Story, Page 10.) West German Defense Minister Manfred Woerner, interviewed on French television, said the joint brigade is a step toward a merged army. “I see the possibility that one day there will be a common army,” Woerner said. “It’s a very long perspective.”