Evolution Of European Union

Grey River Argus, 2 September 1948, Page 8

Evolution Of European Union

LONDON, Aug. 30. HM. Government’s, attitude towards the idea of European union and in particular towards convening a ■European Assembly emerges more clearly from the publication or the Attlee-Churchill letters. The Prime Minister’s letters and notably ms second letter dated . mark a step forward in H.M. Govein ment’s approach to the movement which was formally launched at t e Hague Congress of Europe last May and to which an impetus given by the French Government’s statement Of At U thl t outset Mr Attlee stresses tha" he is “in sympathy witn the basic idea behind the movement This disposes of any-suggestion that HM Government are opposed to European union. On the contrary HM. Government regaid European union in some form to be ultimately in The* proposal to convene a European Assembly requires thorough examination. H.M. Government _.believes that orderly prudent advance is advisable if disappointments and setbacks are to be avoided. . For their part H.M. Government before committing themselves to a definite line of policy must consult the other Governments of the Brjtish Commonwealth. The occasion for this will occur at the Commonwealth conference, meeting in London in October. Such a consultation will serve two interests': firstly those of the Commonwealth since the “whole question has an important bearing on Commonwealth relations.” Secondly those of western Europe to which the goodwill, unity and support of the whole British Commonwealth is a major source of strength. Between now and October H.M. Govenment will themselves examine a scheme which has been submitted in the form of a memorandum by the International Committee for the Coordination of Movements foi' Western Union (the organising body of the Hague Conference). H.M. Government are also ready to discuss the scheme with the other Brussels Treaty powers. Mr Attlee mentioned the likelihood of the issue being brought up in the Brussels Treaty Permanent Commission. This, it is understood, would be quite satisfactory to H.M. Government. The memorandum of the International Committee referred to above which is the immediate topic of the Attlee-Churchill correspondence was drafted by a sub-committee presided over by Monsieur Ramadier, the French ex-Premier and Minister of State in the present French Government.

Firstly there should be a preliminary conference not later than next November of the representatives of the'five Brussels Treaty countries nominated by the respective Parliaments. This conference would discuss ways and means of convening a European Assembly and would make recommendations on the subject to the five Governments.

Secondly the five Governments having conferred together about these recommendations should jointly summon and organise a European Assembly. The European Assembly though designed eventually to embrace all the countries of Europe would for the time being be limited to the countries of the organisation for European economic organisation. Thirdly a European Assembly should meet—not later than next January. It would for the present have no legislative or executive powers. Its principal functions would be to consider practical measures to secure the progressive political and economic unity of Europe and to make recommendations for action to the Governments of the countries represented. On August 18 it was officially announced in Paris that the French Government had “agreed to use its influence with the other Governments concerned in favour of the principal points of the memorandum.” Later the Belgian Prime Minister, Monsieur Spaak, warmly, welcomed the French Government’s decision.

Now the United States has indicated that it would like Britain .to make a speedier and more definite move towards realising the Union.