Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Western European Security, Volume V, Part 1

Conference files, lot 59 D 95, CF 105

Proposal by the United Kingdom Delegation ¹

restricted
C9–D/18

Lisbon , 22nd February, 1952.

Draft Declaration by the Members of the North Atlantic Council

1. We, the Foreign Ministers of the fourteen Nations of the North Atlantic Treaty, met together in Lisbon to review the progress of our work, have considered afresh the principles on which our association is founded and have resolved to give greater definition to the ideals which we hold in common.

2. The North Atlantic Treaty was designed, first, for the protection of our peoples from aggression. The preservation of freedom is thus the most urgent of our objectives and the greatest of our common interests at the present time. For if freedom is not assured all else is in danger, and we cannot move forward with our full resources towards the construction of a united, peaceful world in which the safety, dignity and welfare of the individual shall be inviolable. We are therefore determined to resist the subjection of nations by force from without or by treason from within; to expose, discredit and confine the exercise of tyranny; and to combat doctrines of hatred and division.

3. The strength of our association does not rest upon arms alone. Far more it rests upon the earnest desire of our peoples to concentrate in freedom and peace upon the betterment of the world in which they live. History has taught us that systems of tyranny carry within them the seeds of their own decay and soon begin to weaken the vitality of the peoples subjected to them. Our peoples know that a free society, imperfect though it may be, has the breath of life within it and adds to its strength by constant growth and self-improvement.

4. Our association therefore has a second positive objective, just as urgent as the first. This is to secure the prosperity and social and economic betterment of our peoples. For this purpose we are resolved to work towards the freest possible intercourse of men, money and goods; towards maintaining full employment and a high standard of living; and towards the elimination of degrading or unhealthy conditions of work. We believe that the immense resources and technical skills of our peoples are ample for these ends.

5. In accordance with the principles that bind us together in one community, we shall pursue this aim by the method of free and close co-operation that has brought us safely thus far. We shall work with other peoples of like mind and in the various organisations that already exist for the same high purposes. By the operation of the free forces of life and growth, our Atlantic Community will strengthen and develop itself until it comes to seem part of the natural order around us, and presents an example that others will be inspired to follow. We believe in the freedom of the individual to think, to speak, and to live his own life. For this faith we shall fight if attacked, and in this faith we shall work at all times for peace without shackles which is the real peace to which all free men aspire.

1. This draft declaration was introduced by Foreign Secretary Eden toward the conclusion of the third meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Feb. 22: see telegram Secto 49, Feb. 22, from Lisbon, p. 136, for a report on the meeting. For a later version of this draft declaration, see document C9–D/18 (2nd Revise), Feb. 25, p. 193. The final text of this declaration is printed on p. 195. The text of the draft declaration printed here was transmitted in telegram Secto 54, Feb. 23, from Lisbon to the Department of State. (740.5/2–2352)