Expressing an opinion on the Paris Agreements

Resolution 66 (1954)

Author(s):

Parliamentary Assembly

Origin

(see Doc. 321, Draft Resolution of the Committee on General Affairs and Explanatory Memorandum by M. Bohy, Rapporteur, and Doc. 328, Draft Resolution of the Committee on General Affairs). This Resolution was adopted by the Assembly at its 35th Sitting, on 11th December, 1954

SECTION A

The Assembly,

Having examined the London and Paris Agreements ;

Noting with satisfaction that the Governments have speedily reached agreement on a solution to the problem of European defence ;

Welcoming the undertaking, of a nature never before given by the United Kingdom, that within this century British forces will stay on the Continent as long as Western European Union so determines ;

Considering that the conclusion of these Agreements has reinforced the Atlantic alliance,

Notes that the Paris Agreements correspond in large measure to the four principles laid down in Section A of Resolution 63 and to the desiderata expressed in Section B of that Resolution ;

Emphasises the need for early ratification of these Agreements ;

Believes that the Paris Agreements provide the Western Powers with the cohesion necessary to seek by negotiation with the U. S. S. R. a peaceful solution to the problems of European security, and, in the first instance, of the reunification of Germany and a State Treaty with Austria ;

Expresses the hope that exchanges of views will take place at once through diplomatic channels so that these negotiations may be undertaken as soon as possible after the ratification of the Agreements, the implementation of which shall not be delayed.

SECTION B

The Assembly,

Having expressed in Resolution 67 its Opinion on the organisation of the W. E. U. Assembly and on the question of relations betwenn Western European Union and the Council of Europe,

Expresses the hope :

a that the Council of W. E. U. will be given sufficient means of action for taking the steps necessary to promote the unity and to encourage the progressive integration of Europe ;

b that the meeting of the Working Group envisaged in the Resolution on the Production and Standardisation of Armaments, adopted by the Nine-Power Conference on 21st October, 1954, will result in an agreement which satisfies the principles expressed in this Resolution, in particular with, reference to the rational organisation of production and the standardisation of armaments ;

c that the Council of W. E. U. will examine whether the European control officials of the Agency for the Control of Armaments may be granted international status independent of Governments.