PRESS COMMENT IN LONDON

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27443, 1 September 1954, Page 11

PRESS COMMENT IN LONDON

“Chance For British Leadership” (Bee- 8 p.m.) LONDON, August 30. The Times,” commenting in a leading article on the French rejection of E.D.C., said: “At least the other five E.D.C. countries and Britain and the United States now know where they are not.” Any idea, however, that ths whole situation was thereby eased was wishful thinking, “The Times” said. * . “Speed and decision are now essential. The least France can do is to make no difficulties about the restoration of German sovereignty. “Mr Mendes-France himself has been courageously frank about this. If he can find a majority within the

Assembly at once, the sooner the Bonn Conventions are detached from the E.D.C. Treaty, and ratified, the better.”

“The Times” said that any delay would play into the hands of the Communists. But while France could retrieve some of the loss she had inflicted on Europe by taking the initiative in German sovereignty, the lead for the new framework within which to build German rearmament and to ally her to the West could now come best from Britain.

“Sir Winston Churchill and Mr Eden now have it in their power to play that decisive part Which they have hitherto felt themselves precluded from playing. “Desperate and disappointing as the French vote is, it gives Britain a second chance to lead Europe.” The “Daily Express,” in a leading article, says: “The question of what replaces E.D.C. opens up a new and difficult chapter in international affairs. “From’ Britain’s viewpoint there is one special danger—that this country will be asked to increase military commitments in Europe as the price of restoring German sovereignty. It is a concession Britain must not make. This country requires all her resources to guard her Empire lines.’’