Direct Challenge In Conservative And Liberal Motion On Schuman Plan

Wanganui Chronicle, 22 June 1950, Page 5

Direct Challenge In Conservative And Liberal Motion On Schuman Plan

Government Requested To Join In Conference With French LONDON, June 21 (Rec. 7.30 pm).—The political correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says a direct challenge to the Government to declare itself for or against the Schuman Plan is contained in a joint Conservative and Liberal motion which will be submitted by the Opposition in the debate to be held on the Schuman Plan in the of Commons on June 26.

Both Mr. Churchill and the Liberal leader, Mr. Clement Davies, have put their names to the motion, which requests the Government to accept an invitation to take part in the Paris conference on the French plan while reserving their freedom of action if the plan proves to be impracticable. If the motion is not accepted by the Government it will be forced to a division. Sufficient Socialists who favour the French plan as an important move towards European unity may abstain, or even vote for the motion to bring about the Government’s defeat. This “ fact may oblige the Government to accept the motion. This is the first time in this Parliament that the Conservatives and the Liberals have officially supported the same motion. It represents a united front on a major issue that could be of decisive electoral importance.