Evening star., 1953-04-07

DR.. Konrad Adenauer, Chancellor OF the
West German Federal Republic, arrives in
Washington at a moment that is critical to
his own country and to the whole cause OF
European unity and peace.
For West Germany and the other free nations
Of continental western Europe are at cross
roads today The directions which they choose
ultimately will provide the answer on whether
Europe is to become a strong and cohesive force
politically, economically and militarily- or
whether it is to continue divided by its historic
rivalries and fears To oversimplify the question
is not to say that the answer is equally simple
of attainment.
But a little group Of postwar European
statesmen-of whom Adenauer of Germany is
one, and Monnet and Schuman of France are
others-has provided the leadership In con-
ceivng a new order of supranationallSm whlch
holds much promise for stability on con-
tinent which too often has been battle-ground
A part of this new order already has become
working reality in the Coal and Steel Author
ity, pooling two of the great industrial
economic elements of six Of the continental
powers start has been made on the political
side with approval by the European Constitu-
tional Assembly of draft charter Tor
supranational union Of the same SIX powers;
and on the military side with the signing OF the
European Defense Community Treaty.
DR.. Adenauer and his government have
committed themselves thoroughly to these
movements toward European unity. Aside from
keeping step with the other powers on the
economic and political phases, they have dis
avowed any interest in a national army, have
pledged twelve divisions to European army,
and have gained ratification in one house OF
Parliament of the EDO treaty. The latter Is
snagged, at this point, on the French lnSlstence
that Franco-German agreement on the future
of the Saarland must be within reach before
the EDO treaty can be considered by the French
National Assembly. The problem was dlscusseo
in the recent Franco American meetings. II
will be discussed again in the German-Amerl-
can meetings. It is not an artificial issue IN
either France or Germany, and whatever So
luton is found must be politically acceptable
in both countries. 9a
Or. Adenauer, facing general election IN
September, has other domestic political PROB
lemS The reuni1cation OF East ana west
Germany is fundamental issue, and sudden
suggestion from the currently peace-iovlng
Krenlin that genuinely free alderman elec-
tions should be held, as precedent to formauon
of an alderman government and negotiation
of a peace treaty, would create new situation.
Undoubtedly, this possibility-which would re-
verse the order of events last proposed py
Moscow-will be discussed here this week.
Affecting DR.. Adenauers present position
too, is the fact that West German economic
revival has reached point where greater ex-
port markets are needed. The easiest and most
natural of these markets would be to the East
and. again, If Moscow should propose new
era in commercial relations it would place the
Bonn government on the political spot 1t is
a third subject for discussion here.
Finally, it is not unlikely, despite the Ade-
nauer position toward national army and
his preference for the EDO formula, that there
will he some conversation about how West
Germany might make military contrinution
to its own defense and that OF Western Europe
in event the European army does not become
q reality.
All of these problems will not be soiVeo
here in the next few days, probably none OF
them will be settled in a final form. But there
is an opportunity for substantial and important
progress.