Evening star., 1952-01-24
Perspective on Mutual Security

PERSPECTIVE on Mutual Security
In project Of such magnitude IS the vol
untary association Of the worlds free nations
In . peacetime alliance directed In the Arst
instance at their mutual security It Is useful
from time to time that both the task and the
progress be reviewed. Such procedure does much
to maintain the proper perspective; 1T tends to
level on any distortions Of emphasis and 70
eliminate or at least to decrease emotionalism
which may have grown up around some par
ticuIarly perplextng detail
In erect General Eisenhower did this in the
lengthy but informal conference which he held
this week at SHAPE Headquarters in France.
Attending were not only many correspondents
drawn from the Western nations on both sides
of the Atlantic, but also a group Of the senior
military officers serving with him and another
group Of noncommiSsioned officers.
His purpose, 1t would seem, was first Of all
to reafirm his faith in the soundness Of the
undertaking and, secondly, to reaffirm his con-
viction that economic and political unity In par
ticular must provide the real foundation for
success Of the effort. In his opinion military
equilibrium might be attained on short-term
basis without too great dependence upon the
economic and political aspects, but an enduring
security requires the broader foundation It is
expression OF 1t at this time should have con-
structive effect.
Substantial progress, even If not as rapid
as might have been hoped, has been made TN
the past is months toward strengthening the
Western world. It Is true that some nations
have undertaken mobilization Of their resources
faster than others, that some may have demon
strated more active spirit than others. There
have been many evidences, however, that among
the group joined in this great enterprise the
trend is toward greater harmony, greater mutual
understanding and greater unanimity Of purpose.
The end results will be greater efforts and
greater successes. t.
Dealing at greatest length with what he
considers the fundamental requirement, namely
the achievement of economic and political unity
In Western Europe, General Eisenhower properly
acknowledged the considerations of national SOW
ereignty and traditional relationships which
have existed in Europe for centuries. He re-
minded his listeners that this Is collective
undertaking among partners, partners among
whom there is no boss and no servant" At the
same time, he reminded these partners that We
are living today in an age OF social and scien-
tfc revolution in which old traditions, old prac-
tices, even let's say, old affections" need read
siustment In order to guarantee the safety and
security Of the Western world.
To examine and actually cope with the prob
lens Of greater economic and political unity,
the supreme commander suggested that the
nations of Western Europe oficially call con-
stitutionals coavention, agestpre. which hes ORE
dicted woald mean lot Id the Unitsd state.
Such convention, he suggested further, might
be directed to report Its findings within another
18 months The form Of this proposal seemed
to reflect an optimism on the generals part
that current efforts to reach agreement on for-s
nation OF European army will be successful.
It was an optimism that found encouragement
on the same day in Belgian acceptance Of the
principle Of i common defense budget, basic 70
the european army plan and already accepted
by the five other Of the six consulting nations
The foreign ministers. Of the SIX countries
France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the
Netherlands and Luxembourg already are COM
mitted to include in a European army treaty
provision for an international conference on
setting up European parliament. Such con-
ference might itself take on the functions Of
constitutional convention.
In It's overall effect there was reinsurance
In General Eisenhowers discussion without any
suggestion Of minimizing the "very tough prob
lens" that are still finally to be resolved.