INTERNATIONAL ARMY PLAN

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26220, 18 September 1950, Page 7

INTERNATIONAL ARMY PLAN

Troops From Both U.S. And Germany (N.Z. Press Association^—Copyright) (Rec. 10 p.m.) NEW YORK, September 16. An American proposal for an international army to defend West Europe was placed before the North Atlantic Council yesterday. The Secretary of State (Mr Dean Acheson) said that it would include both American and German military contingents. This was “a complete revolution” in United States foreign policy and he appealed for a supreme effort by all the Atlantic Treaty nations to raise and equip their own contingents for the prospective international army.

He asked for the creation of a command staff with a single overall commander to direct its organisation and training. Mr Acheson emphasised that the plan did not mean the creation of a German national army, or the production of arms inside Germany. Her force alone would not be capable of fighting against the Western Powers.

Mr Aclieson said that if war broke out in Europe, the Atlantic nations would be fighting as far east as possible. This would mean fighting on German soil; therefore Western Germans should have opportunities to defend their own territory.

The United States offer to assign military forces to international command showed the extent to which the nation was prepared to go. The American proposal was distributed in written form among the Foreign Ministers. The council went into recess without reaching agreement on West Germany’s role in Europe’s defences. However, there was accord on all essential aspects of the programme, said high officials. France expressed reservations on West Germany’s inclusion in the intentional army proposed by the United States. The Foreign Minister (Mr Robert Schuman) said that arms for IndoChina should be placed ahead of any plan to arm the Germans. The problem of Germany was postponed until next week to give Mr Schuman and other Ministers more time to consult their governments. The council was anxious to stop the prices of raw materials soaring to new high levels and suggested that exporters should explore the possibility of setting up an international price control organisation. Its aim would be to prevent profiteering and runaway inflation. AUSTRALIANS FOR U.N. MEETING (Rec. 8 p.m.) CANBERRA, Sept. 17. The Prime Minister (Mr Menzies) announces that the Australian delegation to the fifth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, which opens at Lake Success on Tuesday will comprise the Minister of External Affairs (Mr P. C. Spender), the Ambassador to Paris (Sir Keith Officer), Dr. E. R. Walker, Mr B. C Ballard, and Mr A. H. Tange, in addition to alternates and advisers.