Explanatory Statement
If European unity is to become a fact, the causes of disputes between the various States must first be clearly established and completely eliminated.
These causes have existed for centuries. So long as they continue to produce their dire consequences and divide Europe into warring camps, European unity will remain no more than a chimera.
If we wish to unite Europe, we must eliminate war.
This proposal has no connection with the notorious pacifist movement, which is mere defeatism. Its aim is to eliminate war between the free democracies of the Old World.
So long as the fate of nations continues to be decided behind the closed doors of the Chancelleries and outside the control of the peoples, it will be impossible to put an end to the intrigues and rivalries which embitter relations between States and are the cause of wars.
To-day, men's minds are being poisoned by unhealthy rumours of rivalry among the Great Powers. The fact is that, so long as secret diplomacy continues to exist, such principles as those of Parliamentary control, the sovereignty of the people and the freedom of the press are bound to remain a dead letter.
In view of these considerations the undersigned Representatives propose the following text for adoption by the Assembly :
" The Assembly decides to include in its Agenda the question of the total abolition of secret diplomacy in intra-European relations ".