But I must give you a warning. Time may be short. At present there is a
breathing-space. The cannons have ceased firing. The fighting has stopped;
but the dangers have not stopped. If we are to form the United States of
Europe, or whatever name it may take, we must begin now.
In these present days we dwell strangely and precariously under the
shield, and I will even say protection, of the atomic bomb. The atomic bomb
is still only in the hands of a state and nation which we know will never
use it except in the cause of right and freedom. But it may well be that in
a few years this awful agency of destruction will be widespread and the
catastrophe following from its use by several warring nations will not only
bring to an end all that we call civilisation, but may possibly desintegrate
the globe itself.
I must now sum up the propositions which are before you. Our constant aim
must be to build and fortify the strength of the United Nations
Organization. Under and within that world concept we must re-create the
European Family in a regional structure called, it may be, the United States
of Europe. And the first practical step would be to form a Council of
Europe. If at first all the States of Europe are not wiliing or able to join
the Union, we must nevertheless proceed to assemble and combine those who
will and those who can. The salvation of the common people of every race and
of every land from war or servitude must be established on solid foundations
and must be guarded by the readiness of all men and women to die rather than
submit to tyranny. In all this urgent work, France and Germany must take the
lead together. Great Britain, the British Commonwealth of Nations, mighty
America and I trust Soviet Russia-for then indeed all would be well-must be
the friends and sponsors of the new Europe and must champion its right to
live and shine.
