UN General Assembly
1949

70. It was in altogether different circumstances that another agreement to which the French Government was a party had been concluded during the current year, 1949, namely the agreement which set up the Council of Europe. That, again, was a regional organization. Its purpose, however, was not to reinforce security but to initiate a vast structural reform of the European continent. Its purpose was to create among the States members of the Council of Europe, by progressive development and democratic methods, political and economic ties of such a nature that the totality of those States would end by constituting a unity, which would eliminate exhausting national rivalries and help to facilitate the development of production and trade by adapting them to the conditions and means of the modem world. It would be too bold an anticipation at that stage to speak of a federation, although such a federation corresponded to the aspirations of a considerable part of public opinion. The object in view was the progressive, prudent and ambitious erection of a rational structure which would be a valuable factor of political stability and material progress. That enterprise, likewise, was not directed against anybody. For the time being, it extended to only one half of Europe, but remained open to all those who agreed to contribute to it in a spirit of good will and strict respect for democratic principles and the dignity of the human person.