§ 6. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make it clear that the formation of federations or confederations in Europe between States with mutual interests is in accordance with the terms of the Atlantic Charter and would be welcomed by the British Government as strengthening the world organisation of peace?
§ Mr. EdenIn the opinion of His Majesty's Government the provisions of the Atlantic Charter are in no way incompatible with the formation of federations or confederations. As regards the attitude of His Majesty's Government, I have recently made it clear that His Majesty's Government welcome and are prepared to encourage any steps on the part of the smaller States to weld themselves into larger, though not exclusive, groupings.