Extracts from a letter from Cornelius C. Cremin to Frederick H. Boland (Dublin)

I enclose herewith the text (in French) of the declaration made by Monsieur Robert SCHUMAN, Minister for Foreign Affairs at a press conference on the 9th May in regard to the pooling of the French and German coal and steel production. You will of course already have seen at least summary accounts of this proposal and will therefore be aware that:-

1. The leitmotif of the proposal is that it will eliminate Franco-German antagonism and advance European unity, being a first concrete step in this direction.
2. The scheme is open to all European countries both those of Eastern Europe as well as those of the West.
3. The scheme envisages the creation of one market, free from customs tariffs etc., in the countries participating in it in respect of the productions concerned.
4. The scheme should serve as a starting point for the development of the African Continent.
5. The conditions applicable to the scheme should be incorporated in a treaty between the countries concerned, and its implementation should be put under the control of an independent authority.
6. The UNITED NATIONS should be associated with the project through having a representative attached to the authority.
7. The question of ownership (private or public) is not affected by the proposed pooling arrangement nor does it involve any change in the powers conferred on the International Authority of the RUHR nor the régime applicable to Germany.

In his observation introducing the proposal, Monsieur Schuman stressed the fact, that we are dealing with a constructive courageous act and not with words and also stressed the fact that the scheme is open to the adherence of Eastern Europe.

The proposal outlined by Monsieur Schuman on the 9th May came as a surprise. It is asserted that very few members of the French government, apart from Monsieur Bidault and Monsieur Schuman had prior knowledge of it. Mr. Acheson was apparently informed of it in general terms when he met Monsieur Schuman on the 8th and 9th May. A number of governments, particularly those of countries producing steel and coal and hence most interested in participation, were advised of the tenor of the proposal before the press conference took place, including Britain, Italy and the Benelux. It would appear that Monsieur Jean MONNET¹ of the 'Plan' was one of those primarily responsible for the scheme.

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The press has reported a very favourable reaction on the part of the U.S.A. The British reaction is alleged to have been at first one of hostility, but to have since been more friendly. The 'MONDE' of the 13th inst. describes Mr. Attlee's statement on the subject in the House of Commons as 'remarkably friendly'. The fullest comments on the British reactions suggest that considerable diffi-culty may be encountered in getting unqualified acceptance for the proposal and in particular in securing British participation in the pool. Self-interest, the direction in which the British economy has been developing and the distrust of commitments vis-à-vis the Continent are all given as factors which weigh in London.

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The German Government and steel industry are reported to be favourable, the latter as they hope through the scheme to secure the removal of the limitation on steel production. The German Socialist Party is given as hostile.

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