Evening star., 1949-05-07
'Stotute of Europe

At historic st. James Palace, London,
representatives Of ten European nations
have laid the foundations of an organiza-
ton which, In the opinion OF one Of the
signatories, Foreign Minister Robert Schu-
man Of France, may ultimately develop
into European state.
The momentous document, entitled
Statute of the Council OF Europe" pro-
vides for what Is, in effect, q rudimentary
executive and legislature. Executive func
tions are to be exercised by Committee
Of Ministers, representing the signatory
Governments, each having one seat. The
embryonic legislature, termed the Con-
sultative Assembly, will have member
ship corresponding roughly to the size
and population Of the signatories, the
method Of choice being left for each coun-
try to decide. The Council will probably
convene this summer at strasbourg,
France. That choice Is, in itself, signih-
cant, because strasbourg Is a meeting
point of French and German language
and culture. Long a bone Of contention.
1t Is intended to symbolic that suppressed
Ing OF traditional rivalries and enmities
which must be the spiritual foundation
upon which true European Union can
be based.
The Jurisdiction of the Council Is linn
tied. Major political decisions and defense
matters are specifically excluded. It's aims
are entirely peaceful, and its activities
are intended to be mainly in the fields
of social, cultural and juridical relations
But 1t is precisely these n-controversial
limitations that have enabled countries
like Sweden and Ireland to become men,
bers. Membership has, indeed, grown rap
idly. Initiated only last January by the
five member Governments forming the
Western Union under the Brussels, Pact
five others have since joined, with new
accessions probable in the near future,
notably Greece and Turkey. The present
membership includes Britain, France,
italy, the Benelux trio belgium, Neither
lands and luxembourg, the Scandinavian
trio Denmark, Norway and sweden), and
Ireland The terms of admission are not
exacting. To qualify, as the Statute
phrases 1t, European state must accept
principles of the rule of law and Of en-
toyment Of all persons within its jurisdic-
ton of human rights and fundamental
freedoms" That renders eligible all who
hold to democratic, freedom loving way
Of life. But 1t impliedly excludes states
with totalitarian institutions and prac-
tees.
With the Statute Of Europe nrst long
step has been concretely taken to realize
that peaceful integration Of the European
continent which has been the dream of
idealists and the inspiration of statesmen
for centuries. It may be recalled that plan
for European union was drawn up as far
back as the year 1900 by that forward
looking monarch, King Henry ~ OF
France, who aptly entitled 1t "The Grand
Design" During recent decades the con-
cept Of a United States Of Europe" has
beer vigorously advocated by eminent
leaders like the late Aristide BRAND and
winston Churchill. Under the Spur of
stern necessity, the movement has ac-
quired an impetus never previously known.
''The Co,ineir OF Europe Is admittedly an
experiment But II Is an innovation which
corresponds with the longings Of millions
and the vital interests Of many nations.
The grim alternative to failure may be
another sort Of European integration--
that of totalitarian despotism run from
Moscow.