Did the Schuman Plan for a United Europe conflict with US policy goals?
The Schuman Declaration was warmly welcomed by US President Harry S Truman and Secretary of State Dean Acheson.
A booklet, The Schuman Plan, the European Coal and Steel Community, published by the US High Commissioner for Germany explained why:
"The United States has strongly supported the Schuman Plan. This bold European conception, brought into being by cooperation of the European nations, is also a major step in the fulfillment of some of the basic policies of the United States. It will contribute to:
1. The progessive political integration of Europe
with the goal of a United Europe, free of internal strife and capable of
supporting and defending its democratic institutions.
2. The creation in Europe of strong, progressive
economies capable of achieving higher standards of living.
3. The removal of artificial barriers standing
in the way of expansion of European industry.
4. The taking of initiative and active responsibility
by the European nations themselves in achieving the above objectives.
The Schuman Plan sets up democratic supranational political institutions for the fields of coal and steel and creates a common market for these basic industries, free of trade barriers. It will go far to promote the sense of solidarity and internal security in Western Europe and paves the way for further steps in that direction. ...
The participation of Germany in the Schuman Plan is strongly favored by the United States. In relation to Germany, the United States has a dual policy. It has sought to ensure that Germany itself would never be a threat to the peace and security of the rest of the world. At the same time it is felt that a Germany which gives up the goal of domination in favor of cooperation can play a most valuable and important role in the community of nations. In including Germany in the Schuman Plan on an equal basis, the nations of Western Europe have shown their desire to work with Germany as a full and equal partner for the common good. In joining in a mutual surrender of sovereignty for common ends, Germany will have taken a major step in proving its determination to live on a peaceful and cooperative basis with its neighbors."