On behalf of the Labour Party, I join in the good wishes which have been expressed to the Council of Europe on the attainment of its tenth birthday. Everybody who was associated with the establishment of the Council lauded at the time, and still warmly approves, the high ideals and the noble purpose which inspired its establishment. The Council of Europe was established at a time when there was much misunderstanding, much distrust and many doubts as to the future economic and political destiny of Europe. The very fact that it was established helped in substantial measure, not only to remove these doubts and misunderstandings, but to promote a oneness of purpose and a cohesion among European countries which would never have been possible were it not for the fact that the Council, through the medium of its regular sessions, provided Europe with a platform and a forum where the common interests of European countries desiring to preserve a common European culture could be discussed in an atmosphere of friendship and cooperation.
Many of those who were associated with the establishment of the Council of Europe were strong protagonists of the federal idea of uniting Europe. There were others who believed in the confederation idea of establishing unity in Europe. There were others—I was one of them—who felt that public opinion in Europe was not sufficiently advanced and the climate of public discussion not appropriate for either a federal or a confederation solution so far as European unity was concerned. The Council, therefore, proceeded—I think wisely—to deal with European problems on a functional basis and, as we look back over the vista of the past ten years, we can feel satisfied that the Council of Europe, in spite of many difficulties and obstacles, nevertheless has been able to discuss and to distil its concept of collective wisdom, to bring about, if not solutions, at least understanding of the many vast public questions which affect the various countries of Europe.
If, however, the Council of Europe did nothing but establish the charter of human rights, it would deserve well, not only of the citizens of the European countries, but of mankind throughout the world. In other fields, also, of course, the Council has done very valuable work. One thing, the significance of which cannot be appraised adequately now, it has done; it kept countries talking in a friendly atmosphere. If there were no Council of Europe these discussions might have taken place in a much less friendly atmosphere and, perhaps, in circumstances which would provoke misunderstanding.
I want, Sir, to join with the Minister for External Affairs in wishing the Council of Europe well. All sections of the House should take pride in the fact that the Irish delegations to the Council of Europe have played a significant and a fruitful role by their attendance at the deliberations of the Council.
