Plan Approved For Participation Of West Germany In Europe's Defence

Wanganui Chronicle, 20 December 1950, Page 5

Plan Approved For Participation Of West Germany In Europe's Defence

BRUSSELS, Dec. 18.—Atla'ntic Pact I Defence Ministers meeting at Brussels ■ today approved a plan for West Ger- I man participation in the Atlantic I Army under an American com- ■ mander. An official spokesman said ’ the decision awaits final approval of. the Atlantic Pact Council of ForeigYi ' Ministers which probably will be' given at their joint meeting tomor- : row morning. The joint meeting of Foreign and j Defence Ministers was held this afternoon and a communique is expected after their further meeting tomorrow. I The plan for German participation in Europe’s defence was worked out, in London last week by the Deputies’ Council and the military com-1 mittee of the Atlantic Pact. It is a | compromise by which Germans would be organised in fighting groups of be- ' tween 5000 a'nd 6000. It was put forward in its present form by the United States chairman of deputies, Mr. Charles Spofford. The United States Army Secretary,

t | Mr. Frank Pace, told the Ministers I today that he was confident they j could achieve an adequate strength I to protect the peace of the world. i “In a high priority among our pre- ( sent defence plans are provisions for ; a substantial increase in the flow of | munitions to member nations of our I organisations,” he said. “We have ; joined with you in solemn arrange- ! ment for mutual production and I (assure you that we shall keep faith with our obligations.” I Mr. Dean Acheson, United States Secretary of State, arrived late be-* cause his plane was delayed by ftad (j weather. He told reporters at Brus- , I seis airport: “The American people I hope our European allies will join with us in making a greater effort ; to shape an effective defence system.” An official spokesman said later J that the Defence Ministers had approved the appointment of General' Eisenhower as Supreme Commander of the Atlantic army.