M. SCHUMAN'S PROPOSAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27387, 12 May 1950, Page 4

M. SCHUMAN'S PROPOSAL

Perhaps the greatest importance of M. Schuman’s proposal that French and German coal and steel production should be placed under a single authority , is that it comes from France. Following on the IndoChina agreement, with its explicit recognition of changed international conditions, this can be regarded as an evidence of broader statesmanship than has been demonstrated in French 'foreign policy for a long time. French fears and suspicions of Germany have blighted many plans for European security, both after the First World War and again during the past five years, and such an attitude is not lightly to be censured by foreigners. France has suffered much, and it was expecting much that there should be any early trust and co-operation. Yet during the past year there have been signs in France—and in Germany also—that at the highest levels there was an appreciation that national security could be purchased at too high a price. The reception given in both countries to liberal speeches by the leaders has, however, shown plainly that much will have to be done before the two Governments can count on the necessary support from the mass of the people. M. Schuman’s proposal will undoubtedly have a similar reception, and approval in principle is but the first of many obstacles to be overcome. The proposal is a comprehensive one, so large in its scope that it can be contained only in the framework of the United Europe which is still in process of struggling into being. If it can be brought to fruition, it will be a major contribution towards the greater union which American opinion is so strongly urging on the Marshall Aid countries, and the acceptance of which has indeed become almost a condition to the continuation of assistance. Such a suggestion as M. Schuman has now advanced is not new. The Germans themselves have used the idea in the past to counter some of the Allied plans for the Ruhr, and the present system of control in that area was accepted partly on the understanding that the Allies looked forward to the possibility of the system being extended to neighbouring countries. Eighteen months ago M. Schuman’s proposal would almost certainly have been even more warmly welcomed than it has been now—but the French were not ready then to make the gesture. The physical recovery of Western Germany and the establishment of a Government have altered the climate of opinion in Germany since then—the Saar dispute may be instanced—and it is

also possible that there are reservations in M. Schuman’s mind which may put a different complexion on the matter. Again, on previous occasions Great Britain has been doubtful of the effect of union with Europe on her coal and steel markets. But enough will doubtless be heard of the difficulties in the near future. At present the big thing is that a French leader has come forward with such a proposal.