FATE LOCKED

Evening Star, Issue 26042, 5 March 1947, Page 7

FATE LOCKED

Anglo-French Alliance

Prevention of Further German Aggression

'(Rec. 11.5 a.m.) LONDON, March 4. Mr Bevin and M, Bidault to-day signed the AngloFrench Alliance, at Dunkirk. The British and French Governments later issued a joint statement saying , that the treaty defines the arrangements worked out between them for establishing on a firm basis, and within the framework' of, collective security as laid down by the United Nations Charter, reciprocal guarantees to prevent a recurrence of German aggression. The British and French Foreign Ministers hope that these-guarantees will soon be completed by the conclusion of a Four-power Treaty, stipulating conditions for and methods of implementing the disarmament and demilitarisation of Germany. The treaty will remain in force for 50 years.

The preamble takes cognisance of the treaties both countries have with Russia. The treaty’s six articles provide:— ! 1. Both countries will take agreed action to prevent any threat by Germany to either nation. 2. Should either country become involved in hostilities against Germany, the other contracting party will give all military and other support and assistance in its power, j 3. In the event of either nation being prejudiced by Germany’s failure to fulfil the terms of the peace settlement, Britain *and France will consult with each other, and where appropriate with other Powers, with a yiew to taking agreed action. 4. Both countries will take all possible steps to promote each other’s prosperity and economic security., 5. Nothing in the treaty will derogate from British and French obligations under the United Nations Charter. Neither country will enter into •an alliance directed against the other, or enter into obligations inconsistent with the present treaty. 6. The treaty will come into force as soon as ratified, and remain in force for 50 years or indefinitely/ unless either party gives a year’s notice of intention to terminate it.

Not An Exclusive Treaty

Mr Bevin, speaking .at the signing ceremony, emphasised that the AngloFrench alliance was) lipfc *an exclusive treaty. “ I think Russia realises that this is not a western bloc, but an attempt to make a contribution to the pattern of universal peace.” Mr Bevin added that between the two great wars misunderstanding might have allowed : resurgence of an aggressive Germany, but the new Socialist Britain would strive to avoid misunderstandings and understand the new France. He concluded: “My country will never leave France’s side. The two of usi will help make the world safe for its people.” M. Bidault said it went with the justice of history that the signing should take place in'Dunkirk. Britain and France in this treaty linked their fate together.

M. Auriol addressed a message to the King in South Africa on the signing of the treaty. The message said that Britain and France, “ which so many years of common and fraternal action in arms had so profoundly united,” were signing a pact which would strengthen again their bonds of friendship. “ All my countrymen rejoice from the bottom of their hearts at this great event.” German prisoners were employed to sweep the streets of Dunkirk along which Mr Bevin passed to sign the treaty. An ironic touch was added when the prisoners raised masts with British and French flags flying from their tops in front of the Dunkirk sub-prefec-ture, where the ceremony took place. The streets were crowded when Mr Bevin and his party arrived.