The reason for the proposal put forward by the French Government at the instance of Monsieur Schuman concerning coal and steel production, together with the circumstances surrounding it, is of very considerable importance. The Minister has already expressed himself in complete support of the proposal.

Politically, the proposals are of particular importance by reason of the fact that it is the first major initiative taken by France since the war. Hitherto most initiatives in Europe were taken by Britain or by Britain and France jointly. While formal initiatives were taken by Britain, largely to comply with American wishes, few concrete results were achieved. On the contrary, British policy seems to have been directed, in the main, to the task of slowing up or side-tracking any proposals for a greater degree of European co-operation. This policy is dictated by a desire to prevent any form of progress that might compete with Britain's production or relatively weaken her economic dominance in Europe.

The decision of the French Government to proceed on its own initiative, without regard to Britain's objections, sprang from a realisation that Britain's policy would be directed to slowing down and obstructing the French proposal.

In these circumstances, the French proposal was made without prior consultation with the British Government, and, once made, the French Government have insisted on an acceptance of the general principles involved.

Reliable information would indicate that there is a serious difference of opinion within the British Cabinet as to whether or not the British Government should have turned down the invitation to the proposed conference.

From the point of view of European Economic Co-operation, the French proposal is obviously one of the highest importance and is a positive step in the right direction. It has the added advantage that it may provide a useful bridge for the development of Franco-German relations which are, of course, vital to Europe. The fact that this initiative was taken by France with great firmness, despite a strong British opposition, may well prove to be a turning point in European politics. At its minimum, it is a definite bid by France for the leadership of Europe and a very clear indication that France is not prepared to yield European leadership to Britain.