FIRST DAY OF DEBATE

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27441, 30 August 1954, Page 11

FIRST DAY OF DEBATE

Vote May Yet Be Delayed

(Baa. I pjn«) PARIS, August 29. IBs French Deputies rose early this gatay sterning from the first of four £0 of vital debate on the European Borneo Community—and the behindgHNM struggle still went on to dehf tbeir vote and save the treaty. After hearing the strongly antiTDC report of the Foreign Affairs Canaiission from Mr Jules Moch, observers said E.D.C. was fighting a losfar battle. But there appeared to be still a chance that pro-E.D.C, leaders had perwaded the Prime Minister (Mr Mendes-France) to put off the vote and to tack to France’s other five treaty partners with his amendments. If the vote were taken now it would be taken on the original treaty bringing the armies of France. West Gerauay, Italy, Belgium, Holland, and fcxembourg under supranational auButJbecause this plan does not stand a chance in the French National Asmsbiy. Mr Mendes-France has proportd. to the other five nations certain amendments which alter the aspects «( supranational control. These amendments have been rejected by all five partners. Throughout yesterday the political temperature of France rose and fell. At one moment it appeared the Prime Minister was determined to brook no delay in obtaining a dedsve vote—at the next moment he appeared to be willing to put off the fateful vote. Mr Mendes-France m a broadcast to the nation yesterday seemed to say dearly that the time for decision had come, but four hours later he was reported to have accepted in principle i proposal to interrupt the debate for in all this welter of confusion, ob*svers today see two possibilities in fit outcome of the debate—first, an Moamment and the reopening of 2S.C. negotiations: and second, an im■etiate vote on E.D.C.—rejecting it. And If the debate is adjourned Urinst the wishes of Mr MendesFnnee, observers say this might even teiag about the Prime Minister’s dawßfall.