Policy of Member States of the Council of Europe in the light of the present international situation
Recommendation 150
(1957)
- Author(s):
- Parliamentary Assembly
- Origin
- (see Doc. 749, Report of the Political Committee). This Recommendation was adopted by the Assembly at its 26th Sitting, on 28th October 1957
The Assembly,
Considering that the peoples of the six-Power Communities have decided to unite in a closely integrated economic community ;
Considering that other European countries are trying to associate with the Common Market through the formation of a free trade area ;
Considering that the political integration of Europe will be assisted by the economic developments over the next twelve or fifteen years, but that other preparatory steps must be taken to screnght-en Europe's position in the world ;
Considering that there should be full and effective consultation on foreign policy, if possible within a broad European framework ;
Recalling its Recommendation 133 of 11th January 1957, urging the Committee of Ministers "to work out... a concrete and effective method for co-ordinating their national foreign policies as a preparation for drawing up a common policy" - which has not been answered by the Committee of Ministers ;
Recalling also Recommendation 139 of 4th May 1957, which requested that Member Governments "should do everything possible to develop the habit and practice of effective prior consultation in all major matters which affect the partnership of European nations" and went on to propose that "the Prime Ministers of Member States should meet from time to time... to try to map out a common course".
Recommends to the Committee of Ministers :
2 that they should develop a system of full consultation with a view to the ultimate formulation of a common European foreign policy ; it being understood that if certain countries do not find it appropriate to follow this course others must proceed without delay ;
3 that they should take into consideration the following as means to achieve this end ;
a meetings of Prime Ministers from time to time for informal discussions on major questions of policy ;
b regular and more frequent meetings of Foreign Ministers to discuss all major questions affecting the European partnership of nations ;
c the setting up of a standing group of personalities and permanent officials of suitable rank and calibre, possibly attached to a European organisation, to prepare in common the work of the regular meetings of the Foreign Ministers ;
that they should develop a common policy, in particular, on the following specific questions :
1 Disarmament - The Western Powers should continue their efforts to stop the arms race through the conclusion of a first disarmament agreement providing for a controlled suspension of nuclear tests related to a controlled cutoff in the production of nuclear materials for military purposes.
2 German Reunification - The Member Governments should try by joint efforts to bring about a general settlement with Soviet Russia within which German reunification can be achieved. They should tell the Soviet Union once again that there can be no permanent settlement if the Soviet Union continues to insist on the partition of Germany and to refuse free elections.
3 Eastern Europe - The Member Governments should make it clear to the Soviet Union that they will never cease to raise the issue of the freedom of the countries of Eastern Europe, an issue so tragically illustrated by the events of Budapest. At the same time they should re-state their willingness to contribute to solutions that would establish good-neighbourly relations between these countries, once they are independent, and the Soviet Union.
4 The Middle East - Member Governments should be aware of the need for large-scale economic and technical aid and for regional development schemes in the Middle East under United Nations auspices - with a view, in particular, to solving the refugee problem. They should jointly try and encourage technical, economic and social progress there. If asked to do so, they should help the Middle East States to develop their resources for the benefit of the peoples of these States.A joint effort should be made to induce the Arab States and Israel to open direct negotiations, without prior conditions prejudicial to either side, in order to bring the state of war to an end and reach a lasting agreement to ensure peace.
5 Under-developed areas - Member Governments should work for the early establishment of the long-discussed Special United Nations Fund for Economic Development (S.U.N.F.E.D.). Member Governments should ensure that about one per cent of their respective national incomes is made available to meet the needs of underdeveloped areas.
