Britain Announces Five-Point Plan For Unity Of The German Nation; Russia Sceptical

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 May 1949, Page 5

Britain Announces Five-Point Plan For Unity Of The German Nation; Russia Sceptical

PARIS, May 28 (Ree. 6 pm).—Mr. Ernest Bevin (Britain), in the Council of Foreign Ministers, today introduced a joint Western plan for German unity.

The proposals consist of five main points: (1) German unification in accordance with the Bonn Const.Yution enabling the Soviet zone to join in. (2) Freedom of persons, including freedom of movement, freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention, freedom of speech, press and radio, freedom for all democratic political parties and free elections. (3) An Occupation Statute on a quadripartite basis in conjunction with the accession of Eastern Zone States the plan exolains that this statute applies reservations, including provision for limitation or prohibition of certain industries and the delivery of capital equipment as reparations (no reparations from current production or stock are required). (5) A commission to exercise quadripartite control. The commission would make decisions by majority vote except in exceptional circumstances, to be mutually agreed upon. First reaction to the proposals by Mr Vyshinsky (Russia) was a complaint that at first glance they appeared to be onesided and unsuitaole for Four-Power discussions. He said his first impression was that the three \\ estem powers were confronting

him with a fait accompli. He promised to give detailed comments later on what he considered weaknesses in the plan. Mr. Schuman (France) said: “This is not a modus Vivendi for a split Germany,, but a programme for a united Germany. Mr. Acheson (U.S.A.) said: “This document was not framed with the idea of concealing the real issues, but for bringing them out clearly.” m presenting the plan Mr. Bevin told the council it was designed to “accelerate Germany’s incorporation into the comity of nations.” He said the Western Powers had no intention of organising Germany against the Soviet Union. They proposed to accomplish the restoration of the political and economic unity of Germany Reuter's diplomatic correspondent says Mr. Vyshinsky’s comments must be regarded as preliminary, but he delivered a sufficient clear advance notice that Moscow will not swallow the western proposals whole. The acceptof the Western plan would amount to a complete revolution in tne present structure of Russian zone, now organised on political and economic lines, very much like those existing in any Communist State in Europe.