Editorial Note

On January 22, 1948, Ernest Bevin delivered a speech in the British House of Commons suggesting the “consolidation of Western Europe.” He mentioned the Anglo-French Treaty of Dunkirk as a basis of cooperation and indicated that similar agreements would be proposed to the Benelux countries.

For text, see Parliamentary Debates, House of Commons, 1947–48, 5th series, volume 446, columns 383 ff.