GERMANY'S ROLE IN EUROPE

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26119, 23 May 1950, Page 5

GERMANY'S ROLE IN EUROPE

VIEW OF WESTERN CHANCELLOR TENSION BETWEEN U.S. AND RUSSIA _ , BERLIN. May 21. The West German Chancellor (Dr. Konrad Adenauer) to-day gave the warning that tension between the United States and Russia, if not relieved. might explode and destroy Europe, states the United Press. As a safeguard against danger. Dr. Adenauer recommended the inclusion of Germany in a United Europe, which could become a third Power standing in support of world peace between the two nations. The Chancellor, whose speech was made in Cologne at a campaign meeting of the Christian Democratic Party, said that a United Europe incorporating Britain and Germany “would never be so strong as to threaten the United States or Russia, but would be

■ strong enough to hold the balance of j power for peace.” ! Because of the dangers of the pre- ! sent international situation it was abi soluteiy necessary -hat Germany | should enter the Council of Europe as i soon as possible. "This question is of prime importance.” ha said. “If Germany should I refuse to join the Council of Europe iit would represent Russia’s greatest j triumph to date. A strong Europe • cannot exist without Germany. Ger- . many cannot exist without Europe.” Dr. Adenauer described the Schuman . plan for pooling French and German • industry as a real lasting step towards French and German co-operation. “It represents a great step towards a Federated Europe. I. as Chancellor, give my word that we will throw all our strength into realising this nlan.” he said. - The Chancellor sharp! y criticised the. scepticism of the Socialist opposition towards the pooling proposal, and to the entry of Germany into the Council or Europe.