BRUSSELS: A 50-year treaty of economic co-operation and military aid was signed in Brussels today [March 17] by the representatives of five Western European countries Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Nether­lands and Britain. Other states may accede to it on agreed conditions.

Designed “to fortify and preserve the principles of democracy, personal freedom and political liberty, the rule of law and constitutional traditions,” the treaty promises that if an armed attack in Europe should be made on any one party to the treaty, the others will, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, afford all military and other aid and assistance.

All such measures shall be immediately re­­ported to the Security Council and be terminated as soon as the Council has taken the necessary measures to maintain or restore international peace… . A permanent Consul­tative Council will be set up, and at the re­­quest of any party to the Treaty, will be immediately called for consultation between the par­­ties, should Germany again adopt an agg­ressive policy or with regard to any situation constituting a threat to peace in any area. — News agencies

Published in Dawn, March 18th, 2023