Consultative Council of Western Powers1

On March 17, a 50-year pact was signed at Brussels by the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Under the provisions of the pact, the signatories agreed to coordinate in so far as was possible their national policies in the economic, social and military spheres. Economic phases of the agreement included the elimination of conflict in national policies, and the development of commercial exchanges to promote European economic recovery. This cooperation was to be provided for by a consultative council which was to meet whenever necessary, or immediately upon the request of any of the parties for consultation on any situation which might constitute a threat to peace. The signatories also agreed to develop the social services of their individual countries, to promote a higher standard of living, to conclude social conventions with other countries, and by cultural exchanges and other means to promote understanding of their common civilization among the people of the five nations. These ends were to be accomplished either directly through the consultative council, or through specialized organizations whose creation was envisaged by the treaty.