Brussels, 10th October 1958
Sir,
Article 230 of the Treaty setting up the European Economic Community stipulates that, " the Community shall establish all suitable co-operation with the Council of Europe ». It is, moreover, the sincere wish of all members of the European Commission to establish a relationship of unreserved and cordial co-operation with the Council of Europe and, in particular, with the Consultative Assembly.
As early as March this year I acquainted you with the Commission's hope that these relations should be imbued with the same spirit as those which had developed between your Assembly and the High Authority.
I have the honour to inform you that the European Economic Community Commission is henceforth agreed to transmit officially to the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, the general progress report of the Community which is published annually in accordance with Article 156 of the Treaty of Rome.
The Commission is further agreed to attend the joint session of members of the Consultative Assembly and the European Parliamentary Assembly, which is to be held annually, in order to present its general report. I should be happy to present the first report of the Commission personally at the next proposed Joint Meeting at the beginning of 1959.
The Commission sincerely hopes that these arrangements will facilitate the development of close relations between the Consultative Assembly and the European Economic Community.
I remain, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
W. HALLSTEIN.
M. Fernand DEHOUSSE
President of the Consultative Assembly
of the Council of Europe