W. GERMANY MAY BE ASKED TO JOIN COUNCIL OF EUROPE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23024, 15 August 1949, Page 5

W. GERMANY MAY BE ASKED TO JOIN COUNCIL OF EUROPE

(N.Z.P.A.—Reuter—Copyright.) <lO a.m.) PARIS, Aug. 14. The question of inviting Western Germany to join the Council of Europe after the week-end German elections is expected to be raised in the European Assembly by Mr. Churchill or another Conservative member of the British delegation. Most observers think the letting up of a free Government ought to justify Germany's inclusion in the assembly bv the next session. Mr. Harold MacMillan, on behalf of fhc British Conservative representatives. issued a statement backing Mr. Churchill's motion, which is designed to open the way for an assembly debate on the political problems involved in the' European union. Mr. MacMillan said it would be fantastic if the assembly adjourned without consideration of such problems. Mr. Churchill's motion, which has been accepted by the Foreign Ministers. calls for the consideration n; “any necessary changes in the nolitical structure of Europe to achieve greater unity between the members of the Council of Europe.” Revision of Agenda' The Council of Europe yesterday began a debate on the revised agenda which provides for discussions under five general headings and on two spec ialiscd subjects. The general subjects include economic. social and cultural matters, human rights and consideration of changes in the political structure of Europe to achieve greater unity. Specialised subjects call for consideration of a European passport and the creation of a major programme of public works to be carried out collectively by the member States. The president and vice-presidents recommended that each of the five general subjects be allotted two days for discussion before being sent to committees and that the specialised subjects be referred to committees without general discussion.

They ruled out all proposals with fewer than 10 signatories which included one put forward by the Irish delegation calling for methods of eliminating causes of disputes between member States. This is regarded as a bid bv tlie Irish to secure discussion of the partition of Ireland. The council adjourned until Tuesday. The Foreign Ministers’ “Cabinet’' approved the draft agenda of the consultative assembly adopted earlier by the representatives.