EQUALITY OF STATUS.

Chronicle (Levin), 10 May 1948, Page 5

EQUALITY OF STATUS.

Received Sunday, 7.5 p.m. - THE HAGUE, May 9. The political committee of the Congress of Europe resolved that the people of all European countries, mcluding nationals of the countries behind the "iron eurtain", should enjoy eomplete equality of status at the Congress. The committee passed the resolution without dissent but the chairman, M. Ramadier, ruled that it must go to a plenary session for approval. Alr. Bob Edwards, British delegate and secmtary of the Unitod Socialist States of Europe committee, eaused a storm of protest when he told the Congress economic committee that Europe must unite in order to be economically strong enough to oppose the Americans who, he said, were preparing a trade wai* with Europe. Mr. Edwards said the United States, to escape economic collapse, must not only sell its abundance of goods but also would have to give them away to bring unemplovment and a third wofld war. "Thank G-od for that abundance," shouted another British delegate. Nowhere in the two reports, says The Times, is there an explanation of the links between these institutions and bodies established by West European Governments, and already at work in Paris, London and Brussels, on European recoverv and defence. Even the most. zealous delegates cannot believe that the ultimate aims of the congress will eome within sight until long after the present battle for European peace and prosperity has been won 01* lost.