§ 57. Mr. Blytonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the intentions of the Government in regard to partnership in the Schuman Plan for coal and steel.
§ Mr. NuttingThe attitude of His Majesty's Government to the Schuman Plan was stated in a Declaration issued in Washington on 14th September by Mr. Acheson, Monsieur Schuman and my right hon. Friend's predecessor. The relevant passages of this Declaration were as follows:8W
The Three Ministers recognise that the initiative taken by the French Government concerning the creation of a European coal and steel community and a European defence community is a major step towards European unity. They welcome the Schuman Plan as a means of strengthening the economy of Western Europe and look forward to its early realisation. … The Government of the United Kingdom desires to establish the closest possible association with the European Continental Community at all stages in its development.I am authorised by my right hon. Friend to reaffirm this Declaration on behalf of His Majesty's Government.