Move To Form A Council Of Western Europe

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 March 1948, Page 5

Move To Form A Council Of Western Europe

(Ppc 10 uni ) LONDON, March 12. A motion tabled in the House of Commons by 73 back-bench-members, including' Labourites, Conservatives, and Liberals, calls for the immediate establishment of a Conned of Western Europe with authority to co-ordinate social, economic, and defence policies, organise trade and stabilise currency. > The signatory members of the Commons will urge thb House to debate tho'motion at the earliest moment. They expect a further 100 signatures in the next few days. The resolution demands: — _ . . 1 Immediate steps in consultation with the British Commonwealth to create in Western Europe a political union “ strong enough to StIVC European democracy and achieve economic stability 2.,An emergency policy designed to establish immediately a Council of Western Europe comprising the Marshall Plan nations and Western Germany, the council to lay down broad lines of common action and establish permanent, international co-oidinating staffs. . 3. A long-term policy designed to bring into being a democratic federation of Europe in’ principles of common citizenship, political freedom and human rights. . ' f ' ■ The resolution lias been sent to the countries concerned. • The signatories believe the "Western European Governments should convene a constituent assembly representing the participating States.