FUTURE OF EUROPE

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24987, 23 September 1946, Page 5

FUTURE OF EUROPE

REPORT PREPARED FOR UNO

WORK IN DEVASTATED . AREAS

(Rec. 11 p.m.) NEW YORK, Sept. 21. The United Nations has received the first blueprint for Europe’s future in the form of a 450-page report drawn up for the Economic and Social Council by a temporary sub-commission on devastated areas. The main recommendation is the creation of an economic commission for Europe, comprising representatives of all European countries and also a united states commission and subsidiary organisations which would integrate the economies of all European countries, transfer manpower to critical areas, train manpower, unify and extend the Continent’s electric power and transport systems, and eliminate restrictive trade practices. The report is regarded as one of the United Nations’ most important documents, because it contains the first detailed picture of present European conditions. It is an optimistic picture for the most part, showing the Continent as past the emergency stage, but it emphasises the severe shortages of housing and materials and points out that complete reconstruction will demand enormous credits.

The report also emphasises the need for speedy integration of Europe’s economy because economists have discovered that more and more raw materials and finished products .are being tied tip for years ahead by restrictive bilateral agreements which prevent proper distribution. The co-ordinating commission would decide what materials should go to the various countries and what type of factory could best be used in any particular nation and how machinery should be allocated, helping each country to make the best use of its resources.

The commission would have no enforcement authority, but those recommending its creation believe that its proposals would be considered seri-

ously by the various countries because they might become conditions for loans from the International Bank. One of the most important subsidiaries is a permanent international housing organisation to make the best use of scarce materials and improve construction methods.

Germany is the only European country not covered by the report.