To the Consultative Assembly on the occasion of its Fourth Ordinary Session

Communication | Doc. 12 | 24 May 1952

Author(s):

Committee of Ministers

Thesaurus

1

1. Although there are factors still tending to disturb the international situation, it is unquestionable that the peoples of free Europe are becoming convinced that the uncertainties that have overshadowed their lives over the last few years are gradually disappearing as the result of their own greater cohesion, and their increasing strength. Conscious of the justice of their cause, their one desire is that real peace, founded on justice and freedom may reign throughout the world. The months which have elapsed since we addressed our last Message to the Assembly have witnessed in this respect an improvement which cannot fail to inspire confidence. In the Far East, Communist aggression has been contained, Japan has recovered its sovereignty, and in Indo-China and Malaya, which are, unfortunately, still scenes of bloodshed, the resistance of the free world is becoming stronger.

2. It is, however, above all in Europe that positive results arc now manifest which only a few years ago would have appeared unrealisable. The Treaty whereby certain European States have set up a Coal and Steel Community is on the eve of coming into effect, and its operation will be accompanied by the establishment of relations of an entirely new order between the signatory countries, thus putting an end to century-old rivalries. It is impossible not to be impressed by the agreements that are being realised today. The text of the treaty instituting the European Defence Community has been initialled. When one remembers the misgivings with which it was viewed at the outset and the difficulties of a novel and incalculable nature which had to be overcome before it could be established, it can only be concluded that a spirit which may rightly be described as European is now animating our old continent and leading to its rejuvenation. At the same time the integration of the German Federal Republic into the Western community as an equal partner marks a new era in European relations. These developments have already reached the stage where the establishment may be envisaged of a supranational Political Authority to crown the work so far achieved by these countries.

3. Thus there now exists a body of Agreements directed against no one, constituting a threat to no country and which, while affirming the determination of their authors to unite in self-defence and in an endeavour to increase the prosperity and happiness of their peoples, leave the door open to sincere negotiations for the settlement of the discords which still divide our Continent.

4. Encouragement and support of inestimable value have been brought to these achievements by major countries not directly concerned. Everyone is conscious of the part played by the United States in the recent past, and of what may yet be its future rôle in the light of the grave circumstances affecting the fate of our continent. That country continues to maintain a vigilant interest in Europe in this hour of uncertainty, as is at present exemplified by the presence of its forces on our soil. The United Kingdom has, for its part been unable to participate in the European Communities, but has, nevertheless, by its recent proposals, afforded proof of its desire to be closely associated with such institutions, whether the High Authority for Coal and Steel or the Treaty relating to the Defence Community.

5. Anxious as it is to avoid the consequences that might ensue for the Council from the setting up of restricted Communities unrelated to the Council, the Government of the United Kingdom has submitted proposals which would aim at making the Council the central Organisation around which European institutions should be grouped, its Parliamentary and Ministerial organs being made available to the various Communities. This constitutes an extremely delicate undertaking and is worthy of consideration from every angle. The technical difficulties entailed by it, and which have come to light in the course of initial study, should not tend to discourage us, in view of the political and psychological prospects which they offer. We have therefore felt able to approve the principle underlying the United Kingdom proposals. We take the view that your Assembly is well qualified to debate this problem as a whole, and that it will thereby be embarking on a fruitful task, the accomplishment of which will remove the fear that the Council might become an ineffective institution.

6. Nonetheless, the Council has, during the past year, accomplished useful work. The Protocol to the Convention on the Protection of Human Rights has been signed. We have approved two draft Interim Agreements on Social Security which are transmitted to you for your opinion. Research connected with the establishment of a European Patents Office is making good progress. Experts are at work following up the suggestions you have laid before us in many spheres. Furthermore, the links have been strengthened between the Brussels Treaty Organisation and O. E. E. C, on the one hand, and the Council of Europe, on the other. Very soon the former, emulating the example of 0 . E. E. C. will transmit to your Assembly periodical Reports providing further matter for your discussion.

7. We therefore hope that, in view of the work accomplished and the obstacles we must overcome, we may look forward to your essential support afforded to us not only by your encouragement but especially in the concrete proposals you may submit to us. It is beyond all dispute that the European idea has become a reality in the spirit of our peoples. Untold numbers of our fellow-citizens, especially in the ranks of youth, while continuing to cherish the love of their mother country, realise that with the march of time new concepts must inevitably emerge which only a few years ago would have been startling. Though the decisive stage may not as yet have been reached, the most difficult has nonetheless been left behind : foundations have been laid and public opinion is sympathetic. This Europe of ours, so often in the past an example to the world, must yet again provide a lesson, for its own benefit and that of all humanity.