Key Problem Of N.A.T.O. IMPROVED METHODS OF CONSULTATION NEEDED

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28463, 18 December 1957, Page 14

Key Problem Of N.A.T.O. IMPROVED METHODS OF CONSULTATION NEEDED

[BU

ANTHONY NUTTING,

former British Minister of State for Foreign

Affairs.] „

(Reprinted by arrangement with the "New York Herald Tribune"),

New York.—On the face of things, the Dulles-Brentano meeting seems to have been both constructive and helpful. Nevertheless, I am left with the feeling that on both sides there was a reluctance to tackle at least one major issue—that of greater political consultation within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation alliance. No doubt in shirking this thorny problem, the two statesmen avoided a major clash of views. But I cannot help feeling that they equally missed a major opportunity to set the stage for a truly constructive NA.T.O. meeting in Paris. For some time, America’s European partners have felt a growing need for more political discussion in N.A.T.O. For some time there has been an increasing sense of irritation with what is regarded as America's (and Britain’s) rejection of any and every proposal for developing inter-allied consultation within the North Atlantic alliance. Not without some justification, the Europeans have resented being treated as children, who should be seen and not heard. This seemed bad enough in the pre-sputnik era. when at least the United States could argue that they were well ahead of Russia and that Europe should be thankful for being able to enjoy the protection of America’s overwhelming military superiority. But a very different picture presents itself today, whten Russia is in front and even the President himself has admitted that the United States has been keeping from its friends "secrets” that have been known for some time to their enemies. It is not to be wondered at that all reports from Europe today agree that America no longer holds the same absolute confidence of all her allies, and can no longer afford to indulge that lofty aloofness which, though never popular, was just endurable in the days of her apparent pre-eminence of power. Mr Spook's Determination However much the DullesBrentano encounter may have played . down the political consultation issue, it is certain to bulk very large at the' meeting of the N.A.T.O. heads of government. In the forefront, of those who will be pushing the idea 'will be Paul-Henri Spaak, N.A.T.O.’s Secretary - General, who made it crystal clear to me last summer that he would not remain in his post if nothing was done to improve the consultative machinery of N.A.T.O. Neither Mr Spaak nor the great body of European opinion for whom he speaks will be content to see this issue quickly, shelved as it was last year, when the committee of three wise men (Lester Pearson

of Canada, Halvard Lange of Norway, and Gaetano Martino of Italy), who were appointed to recommend ways of improving consultation produced proposals which the United States and Britain felt went too far toward compulsory consultation. Nobody is suggesting—least of all did the three wise men suggest—that the United States (and every member of N.A.T.0.) bind themselves to consult their partners and to remain passive in the face of all dangers until their proposed riposte of retaliation has received unanimous endorsement No-one would suggest that if the Soviets launched an attack against the West the United States must hold their fire until everyone, including Iceland, had consulted both Houses of Parliament and obtained the passage of the necessary enabling bill. A Distinction to be Drawn But is there not a simple line of distinction to be drawn between the kind of situation which requires prior consultation and the kind which forbids it? Is it not a matter of deciding between action and reaction, between longer-term initiatives and im-

t mediate emergencies? Every ■ European knows well that A, - essence of an effective Europe## - defence system is the knowledge ! on the other side of the Iron Cur- ' tain that retribution for an attack ! will be as immediate as it will be ' devastating. 1 But, awaiting the attention the N.A.T.O. governments, there . is a vast range of problems which can only be tackled successfully ’ if they are tackled together, after proper consultation. If we are to . catch up with the Soviets in th* scientific race, there must be can. ( sultation. If we are to prevent th. markets of the uncommitted world being taken over by the new Soviet sales drive, there must, be co-operation. If we are to do those things in the Middle East which will help to woo Arab nationalism to our side, we of the West must do them together. Throughout this broad field of initiative, there Is not only time' to consult; there?!? an imperative need. The most recent instance of French hysterics over the Tunisian arms deal could have been greatly modified if the French had been made aware beforehand of the combined weight of N.A.’tD. opinion in favour of helping the Tunisian President, Habib Bourguiba. to build up Tunisia’s armed forces. But, because no-one thought to mobilise NATO, opinion; before the event, the French won undeserved sympathy from several of our allies, who felt that America and Britain had tried to bounce thorn into acquiescence in a fait accompli* "Arrogant Big Brothen" The fact that for obvious reasons prior consultation in all situations is not possible will not excuse the arrogance and blindness of the bigger brothers of N.A.T.O. If they deny that in the spheres of action as opposed to reaction, long-term initiative as opposed to sudden emergency, consultation is a must To deny this essential truth is th* best way to sour our friends, to destroy NA.T.O, and to miss the unfolding opportunities for harnessing the combined resources of the Atlantic community to win the great struggle for power. This struggle will not be won if we agree what to do only in Europe and disagree or don’t bother to concert action in the rest of the world. World War m is being fought right now in “th#, rest of the world” among the uncounted Sind often unremembered millions of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. We do not need to extend our alliance to embrace these peoples. We do not need to extend to them the faith and the fruits of oiir combined energies , and efforts. But first we must combine—and consult. Copyright, 1957, New York Herald Tribune*? Inc.