At the Summit
Competitors were invited to produce (in 150 words) the preamble to the communiqué that will be issued at the end of the Heads-of-State NATO meeting which begins in Paris on December 16.
THE key, surely, was to be found in the fact that the meeting is to be of Heads of State. Military jargon, therefore, like scientific jargon, will be out of place in the preamble; the sub-committees may employ it, but the Heads of State may be relied upon to employ their time-honoured combination of meaningless gibberish and howling lies. Some competitors, faced by a prospect which clearly became more appalling the longer they looked at it (for the closer an entry's hopes of a prize, the closer it would have to be to the real thing—a depressing enough thought), fled into fantasy. Vera Telfer, for instance, envisaged holly, mistle- toe and paper chains in the conference hall, with the interpreters dressed as Father Christmas and 'a large bran tub from which every member drew a resolution.' None of these was really successful, however, and there were left only those whose entries were clearly intended to be mistaken for the real thing. The ideal entry should be in the shape of an escarpment, rushing up to a ring- ing climax and coming down with a thump on the other side as reality sets in. Russell Edwards (of Newbridge. Grammar School; it seems that the young are more cynical today than they used to be) had the right idea, ending his 'first paragraph with 'pledged their determination to uphold, with all the means at their disposal, the drive towards democracy, con- cord and the brotherhood of man,' and beginning his shorter second paragraph : 'It was felt best not to take any actual decisions at this stage . . . , but not even a French Prime Minister could really set his hand to some of the stuff in his entry. R. Kennard Davis 'was closer to the awful reality, having clearly cottoned on to the habit these com- muniqués have of contradicting themselves in practically every sentence, but he, too, rather overdid it. Only H. Hardman (albeit with one or two blemishes—that 'even' should not be there in the middle of the second paragraph) really struck the note of pure drivel that we may expect at the end of next week. To him three guineas; one and a half each to G. J. Blundell and R. Kennard Davis. I now await the real thing.
PRIZES (H. HARDMAN)
The representatives of the nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation have concluded the dis- cussions which they have been holding in the develop- ing world situation with a view to the promotion of world peace. Their deliberations have been earnest and long, and there has been the fullest and frankest exchange of views. Full sympathy between . the member nations on matters of common defence, and even on points of special national interest, has been found to exist to
a remarkable degree, and hopes for the future have been expressed and solemnly pledged at all level' of discussion.
In the face of the threats of the totalitarian diplomacy member nations are unshaken in their common purpose. . . .
(o. J. BLUNDELL)
During the meeting between Heads of State man,' useful discussions took place on matters of the highest importance to all parties concerned, and it is con. sidered that the exchange of information and ideas regarding the present international situation will have been of the greatest possible value to the furtherance of that ideal of common policy and action to which all NATO countries subscribe.
The way was paved for a much greater measure of general agreement than has hitherto been possible, and while it was not to be expected that a complete identity of views should prevail, it is gratifying to note that the gaps between the viewpoints of individual nations have been significantly narrowed.
Altogether, it is felt that the meeting has served 8 most useful purpose both in clarifying the general position, and in acting as a springboard for further collaboration in the common cause.
(R. KENNARD DAVIS)
The Member States of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, through their Representatives . solemnly reaffirm their indestructible alliance, for the maintenance of peace and for resistance against aggression from whatever quarter.
They are determined, while preserving their individual sovereign independence, to recognise and strengthen their mutual inter-dependence, alike in the military, economic and political spheres. Being therefore unanimously resolved .that, while each retains supreme control over its own forces, these shall be securely united for the common de- fence; that, subject to the right of each to maintain its own fiscal policy, the closest economic combina- tion is essential; that, where their several interests dictate individual action in the political field, such divergencies shall in no way derogate from their unanimity; they declare their intention to establish permanent committees to implement these decisions in detail, and they proclaim their whole-hearted and unswerving adherence to the following resolu- tions. . . .
SPECTATOR COMPETITION No. 409 Set by Blossom Most Christmas pantomimes are laced with songs that have a distinct political flavour. The usual prize of six guineas is offered for a lyric that we might hear sung by one of the following: Widow Twankey, Dandini, Man Friday, Captain Hook, or any of the Demon Kings. Limit: 16 lines.
Entries, addressed 'Spectator Competition No. 409,' 99 Gower Street, London, WCI, by Decem- ber 24. Results on January 3.
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