ATLANTIC TREATY SIGNED IN WASHINGTON

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22915, 6 April 1949, Page 7

ATLANTIC TREATY SIGNED IN WASHINGTON

(N.Z.P.A.—Reuter —Copyrisrbt.) WASHINGTON, April 4. The North Atlantic Treaty of Mutual Defence was signed today by the representatives of the 12 participating Powers.

The treaty has been described as ending the military isolation of the United States as the IJnited Nations and the European recovery programme ended its political and economic isolation. President Truman, giving the signal for the signing of the treaty, declared it would "be a positive influence for peace and “a shield against aggression.’ “Will Not Shrink From War”

The British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Ernest Bevin, stated: “We don’t glorify war, but wont shrink from it if aggression is threatened.” r Speeches by President Truman. Mr. Bevin and Mr. Dean Acheson and representatives of other signatory Powers preceded the signing of the treaty before 1200 diplomats and officials in the State Department's auditorium. President Truman said: “In this pact we hope to create a shield against aggression and the fear of aggression —a bulwark which will permit us to get on with the real of government and society, the business ol achieving a fuller and happier life for our citizens. , “We have come 'together in a great co-operative effort to establish this kind of world. But we cannot succeed if our people are haunted by constant fear of aggression and burdened by the cost of preparing their nations individually against attack. What we are about to do is a neighbourly act- “ This treaty is a simple document. The nations which sign it agree to abide by the peaceful principles of the United Nations to maintain friendly relations and economic co-operation with one another to consult together whenever the territory or independence of any one of them is threatened and to come to the aid of any one of them which may be attacked. “It is a simple document, but if it had existed in 1914 and in 1939, supported by nations which are represented here today. I believe it would have prevented the acts of aggression which led to two world wars." President Truman said the United States believed it was possible for nations to achieve unity on the great principles of human freedom and justice and, at the same time, to permit in other respects the greatest diversity of which the human mind is capabie. The signatories represented 332,000,000 people in Europe and North America ' „ . , . , , State Department officials said that every embassy in Washington was represented at the ceremony except the embassy of the Soviet and the countries associated wit,h her. Russia and its six Eastern European satellites, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Rumania, Bulgaria, and Albania have a population of 274,000,000. Measured in manpower, the armed strength of the treaty countries and the "iron curtain” bloc is estimated to be roughly the same, with about 5,000,000 each. This covers armies, navies and air forces but does not count reserves which could be called up in the event of war. Most of the military power in the pact group is centred in the armed forces of the United States. Britain, and France together, accounting for about 3,000,000 of the total. In the Soviet group Russia has an estimated 4,000,000 men in the armed services. Mr. Dean Acheson. Secretary of State opened the ceremonies for the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty today by declaring: “For those who set their feet on the path of aggression, this treaty is a warning that if it must needs be that offences come, then woe unto them by whom the offence cometh.” “The reality which is set down here is not created here. The reality is the unity of belief, "bf spirit and of the interest of the community of nations represented here. “It is the product of many centuries of common thought and of blood and of many simple, brave men and women. Moral and Spiritual Virtues

“The reality lies not in common pursuit of a material goal or of power to dominate others. “It lies in the affirmation of moral and spiritual values which govern.the kind of life they propose to lead and which they propose to defend by all possible means should that'necessity be thrust upon them. “Even this purpose is a fact which has been demonstrated twice in this present century. It is well that these truths be known. The purpose of this treaty is to publish them and give them form. , , “From this afit taken here today will flow increasing good for all peoples. From this joining of many wills and one purpose will come a new inspiration for the future. “New strength and courage will accrue not only to the peoples of the Atlantic community but to all peoples of the world community who seek for themselves and for others equally freedom and peace.” , End of an Illusion Dr. Dirk Stikker, the Netherlands Foreign Minister, said the treaty marked the end of the illusio* that the United Nations would, by itself, ensure international peace, but it also marked the birth of new hope for enduring peace. , Mr. Ernest Bevin said: "In appending my signature to this pact, I am doing so on behalf of a free Parliamentary nation and I am satisfied that the step we are taking has almost the unanimous approval of the British people. “Like other signatories rny country had had forced on it the great task of fighting .two world wars against aggression within a quarter of a century, “We have all tried with a genuine desire to build an effective United Nations.” he added. “We have endeavoured to make its machinery work and to create such confidence in this great world organisation as will enable it to establish security for all peoples of the world, but so far our hopes have not been fully realised. "What course, then, was open to us? We had to get together and build with such material as was available to us, and this material was happily at hand in this great Atlantic community, with its common outlook and desire for peace. “This pact is concrete proof of the determination of a group of likeminded nations never to fight one another. These nations are, in addition, linked with many other peoples who, equally, will never indulge in aggression. “Although this pact is called the Atlantic Pact and is defined as covering the Atlantic area it does not minimise either our interest in or determination to support others not included in this pact with whom we have had long years of friendship and alliances. Reason Against Force

“We are in the process of enthroning and making paramount use of reason as against force. The day may come when all the world will accept that view.

“Today will bring a great feeling of relief to millions of people. At last democracy is no longer a series of isolated units. It has become a cohesive organism, determined to fulfil its great purpose. “But this is not the end. We shall pursue with every endeavour the building up of a truly univex*sal United Nations to winch this group of countries will be no mean contributor.” M. Paul Henri Spaak, Prime Minister of Belgium, said the treaty “places in the service of peace the most powerful means of defence that has ever been created ” He said the United Nations, as an agency to prevent war, was merely being supplemented by'the pact. M. Robert Schuman, the French Foreign Minister, declared that France was joining the North Atlantic alliance because “it would be criminal to neglect a single opportunity or a possible aid for the preservation of peace." France’s Assurance to Soviet M. Schuman said that France ardently desired that the United Nations

become one day strong enough to assure by itself peace and security in the world,_ thus rendering any individual initiative unnecessary.

M. Schuman, defending France’s existing treaty with Russia, said: “There is no contradiction between the two treaties when both have as their object to guarantee the security of the same country, but are concluded with different guarantors "

In acknowledging the promise made by France to Russia that the former would never associate herself with anv threat directed against Russia. M. Schuman said :“We shall scrupulously honour this obligation.” He declared that France’s Darticmation in the North Atlantic alliance was merely expanding "the network of our friendshfns, old and new.” He added: “Our conscience is clear. Tn signing this pact. France solemnly proclaims her absolute determination to maintain peace.”