MR. EDEN'S NECESSARY JOURNEY
That task is to propose solid measures for the defence of Western Europe, while at the same time reassuring France against the fear of German militarism, securing for Germany sovereignty and equal treatment within the new defence arrangements, accepting an obligation from Britain to intervene automatically in the event of a military threat to Western Europe, and ensuring that the final proposal will receive American and Canadian support. It is at least five tasks in One. It would require the biggest positive and constructive effort Mr. Eden has ever made in his life. It is something calling for far more than that skill in negotiation and con- ciliation that the Foreign Secretary has so often displayed in the past and, which he has demonstrated all over again this Week. It is certainly something far more than the mere revival of the Brussels Treaty, transformed by the removal of its early intention of providing a .safeguard against German aggression. It is something more complicated than NATO, in that it must involve German military participation plus a greater subordination of all the forces concerned to the orders of the central command. It is something which at the same time would have to satisfy those who are intent on preserving • the European idea as well as the Western European defences. It is the biggest challenge Mr. Eden has had yet.
Previous page
