International: France & the Schuman Plan

Above the squabbles of Europe, and its own internal jealousies, the voice of France sounded bold and clear last week. By a thumping 377-233 majority, the French National Assembly ratified Foreign Minister Robert Schuman's two-year-old plan to pool Europe's coal and steel resources. It was proof—and proof was badly needed—that France can still take the lead in Europe when boldly led herself.

Champion of the fight for ratification was Premier Rene Pleven, an astute, dedicated "European." He had plenty of opposition. "A capitalist supermonopoly, controlled by American high finance," blustered Communist Deputy Florimond...

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