On 9 May 1950, the British Foreign Secretary, Ernest Bevin, informs the British Ambassador to Paris of the existence of a possible French proposal concerning the creation of a European coal and steel pool.

On 10 May 1950, at a meeting at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, leading British ministers comment on the declaration made the previous day by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman, and criticise the French initiative to create a coal and steel pool in Europe.

On 11 May 1950, Sir Ivone Kirkpatrick, British High Commissioner in Germany, sends a memorandum to the British Foreign Office in which he outlines the political scope of the Schuman Plan.

On 11 May 1950, various British ministries draft a joint note for the attention of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet in which they analyse the possible economic repercussions of the implementation of the Schuman Plan and outline the origins of the French proposal.

On 11 May 1950, the British Ministry of Defence drafts several notes on the strategic implications of the Schuman Plan, particularly in terms of control of the coal and steel industries in Europe and arms production.

On 11 May 1950, two days after the Schuman Declaration, British Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman and US Secretary of State Dean Acheson meet in London, where Ernest Bevin, unhappy at having been presented with a fait accompli, expresses his grievances to his French counterpart.

On 11 May 1950, in a statement to the House of Commons, the British Prime Minister, Clement Attlee, expresses his thoughts on the Schuman Plan and confirms his support for the French proposal.

On 12 May 1950, referring to the Scottish tradition whereby couples go to blacksmiths’ forges in Gretna Green to exchange their wedding vows over the blacksmith’s anvil, the British cartoonist, David Low, illustrates the surprised reaction of Dean Acheson, US Secretary of State, following the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950.

On 17 May 1950, the National Coal Board, the statutory corporation for the British coal industry, gives its first impressions of the issues surrounding the Schuman Plan and analyses the possible repercussions for the national coal industry.

On 17 May 1950, cartoonist Low takes an ironic look at the difficult position of the United Kingdom with respect to the French plan to pool steel and coal production in Western Europe.

On 17 May 1950, British cartoonist Leslie Gilbert Illingworth illustrates Robert Schuman’s historic proposal to pool coal and steel production in Western Europe and emphasises the importance of Franco-German rapprochement.

On 19 May 1950, Oliver Harvey, British Ambassador to Paris, writes to Ernest Bevin, British Foreign Secretary, to outline the possible political consequences of an acceptance or rejection of the Schuman Plan by the United Kingdom.

On 19 May 1950, the English diplomat, Sir Roger Makins, sends a note to Ernest Bevin in which he advises the British Foreign Secretary to adopt a wait-and-see approach to the Schuman Plan.

On 19 May 1950, in Edinburgh, Winston Churchill says that he would like to have access to a detailed study of the consequences of any future British participation in the Schuman Plan before expressing a final opinion on the French initiative.

On 20 May 1950, the Press Service of the British Embassy in The Hague drafts an information note giving details of the situation of the steel and coal sectors in the United Kingdom in the light of the Schuman Plan.

On 22 May 1950, in the British daily newspaper The Times, the British Committee of the European League for Economic Cooperation (ELEC) launches an appeal for the United Kingdom’s active involvement in the implementation of the Schuman Plan.

On 25 May 1950, in connection with the implementation of the Schuman Plan, the British Foreign Secretary, Ernest Bevin, rejects the idea of an international conference and suggests to his French counterpart, Robert Schuman, the opening of direct negotiations between France and Germany in which the United Kingdom might participate.

On 31 May 1950, Oliver Harvey, British Ambassador to Paris, sends a telegram to Kenneth Younger, Minister of State at the Foreign Office, in which he outlines the differing views held by the French government and the British government authorities concerning the plan for a coal and steel pool.

On 2 June 1950, in the United Kingdom, the Committee of Officials submits a report to HM Treasury in which it advises the British Government not to participate in the Schuman Plan.

In May 1950, the National Executive Committee of the British Labour Party publishes a manifesto entitled European Unity in which it sets out the official British position on the question of European unity.

On 3 and 5 June 1950, the British Embassy in the Netherlands outlines the United Kingdom’s attitude to the Schuman Plan in a press review.

On 14 June 1950, the French daily newspaper Le Monde publishes and comments on extracts from the declaration that the British Labour Party recently published on European unity, in which the question of the Schuman Plan was addressed.

On 14 June 1950, René Massigli, French Ambassador to London, writes to Robert Schuman, French Foreign Minister, to outline the exact position of British Prime Minister Clement Attlee on the plan for a coal and steel pool.

On 10 and 11 May, 1970, in an interview granted to journalist Georges Suffert, Jean Monnet, former Commissioner-General at the French National Planning Board, describes the United Kingdom’s reaction to the Schuman Plan.

On 10 May 1950, the British daily newspaper Daily Herald devotes its front page to the declaration made the previous day in Paris by Robert Schuman, French Foreign Minister, in which he proposed the pooling of coal and steel output in Europe.

On 12 May 1950, British newspaper the Daily Telegraph highlights the difficulties involved in the implementation of the Schuman Plan and emphasises the economic and political factors of the French plan.

On 19 May 1950, the British weekly Tribune emphasises the importance of British participation in implementing the European plan for the pooling of coal and steel production in Western Europe.

On 30 May 1950, in an article in the British daily newspaper The Manchester Guardian, philosopher Raymond Aron considers the origins of the Schuman Plan and speculates on the chances of success of the French initiative.

On 30 May 1950, British daily newspaper The Manchester Guardian reports on the United Kingdom’s position on the Schuman Plan.

On 4 June 1950, the British Sunday newspaper The Observer publishes an article by ‘a student of Europe’ which identifies the flaws in the Schuman Plan, deploring, in particular, the powers of the future High Authority.

On 17 June 1950, the English weekly magazine The New Statesman and Nation reports on the British position towards the French plan for the pooling of coal and steel production in Western Europe.

In July 1950, the British periodical The Banker outlines the scope of the Schuman Plan and describes the likely impact of the plan on the UK’s industrial sector.

On 25 May 1950, the French Government invites London to take part in the negotiations for the establishment of a European coal and steel pool.

On 26 May 1950, the British Embassy in Paris sends a message to the French Government describing the United Kingdom’s hesitations with regard to the Schuman Plan.

On 30 May 1950, in order to dispel any misunderstanding between France and the United Kingdom over the fundamental objectives of the Schuman Plan, the French government sends a memorandum to the British government setting out the main inspiration for the planned coal and steel pool, while emphasising the scope of the proposed bases for negotiation.

‘Bevin: First of all, let’s see what you’re preparing for us!’ On 30 May 1950, the German cartoonist Beuth illustrates the caution of the United Kingdom regarding the Schuman Plan to pool the European production of coal and steel. From left to right: Ernest Bevin, British Foreign Secretary, Konrad Adenauer, Federal Chancellor, and Robert Schuman, French Foreign Minister.

On 2 June 1950, at a Cabinet meeting held at 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister, the leading members of the government discuss the impossibility for the United Kingdom to participate in the negotiations on the implementation of the Schuman Plan, as things stand.

On 2 June 1950, the British Foreign Secretary, Ernest Bevin, hospitalised in the London Clinic, considers with his close colleagues the possibility of the United Kingdom’s non-participation in the negotiations on the implementation of the Schuman Plan.

On 2 June 1950, the British daily newspaper The Manchester Guardian sets out the reasons for the United Kingdom’s absence from the negotiating table for the Schuman Plan.

On 3 June 1950, the British Government publishes a communiqué setting out its position on the Schuman Declaration on the pooling of coal and steel output in Western Europe.

On 3 June 1950, Pierre Uri, economic and financial adviser at the French National Planning Board, drafts a communiqué for the attention of the French Foreign Ministry spokesman in which France reacts negatively to the latest proposal made by the British government regarding the negotiations on the Schuman Plan.

On 4 June 1950, the French regional daily newspaper Le Républicain Lorrain leads with the British Government’s decision not to participate in the negotiations on the Schuman Plan.

‘It's a shame; let's start without him!' On 5 June 1950, the French daily newspaper Le Franc-Tireur illustrates the British Labour Party's decision to reject the proposed European coal and steel pool as presented in the Schuman Plan.

On 6 June 1950, the British cartoonist, David Low, illustrates the voluntary absence of the United Kingdom from the negotiations on the Schuman Plan scheduled to be held in Paris between the Six.

On 6 June 1950, Oliver Harvey, British Ambassador to Paris, sends a note to Kenneth Younger, Minister of State to the British Foreign Minister, Ernest Bevin, in which he outlines the events that led to the United Kingdom’s absence from the negotiations on the Schuman Plan.

‘The train is ready to depart. We’re just waiting for you to get on!’ On 6 June 1950, the British Foreign Secretary, Ernest Bevin, in hospital in the London Clinic, considers with his staff the possibility of the United Kingdom’s non-participation in the negotiations for the implementation of the Schuman Plan.

On 6 June 1950, in anticipation of the forthcoming negotiations on the implementation of the Schuman Plan, the German daily newspaper Der Mittag emphasises the many reservations put forward by the British regarding the French plan.

On 6 June 1950, the Dutch daily newspaper Het Vrije Volk comments on the United Kingdom’s decision not to take part in the proposed European Coal and Steel Community.

On 7 June 1950, the German daily newspaper Hamburger Abendblatt describes the failure of discussions held between Paris and London that aimed to secure the United Kingdom’s participation in the negotiations on the Schuman Plan and expresses concern at the potential consequences of the UK’s refusal for the implementation of the French plan.

On 8 June 1950, the German weekly newspaper Die Zeit reports on the United Kingdom’s absence at the forthcoming negotiations launched in Paris by the Benelux countries, Italy, France and the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) on the Schuman Plan.

On 13 June 1950, British MPs hold a debate in the House of Commons over the possible consequences of the Schuman Plan and the United Kingdom’s attitude to the forthcoming negotiations on the coal and steel pool.

On 13 June 1950, the Dutch daily newspaper Het Parool comments on the decision of the British Labour Party to reject the idea of European integration as presented in the Schuman Plan.

On 13 June 1950, the British cartoonist, David Low, takes an ironic look at the fears of British leaders in the light of the plans for European integration, including the Schuman Plan to pool coal and steel.

On 13 June 1950, the Italian daily newspaper Il Giornale d’Italia considers the difficulties to be overcome for the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).

On 14 June 1950, the French daily newspaper L’Aurore harshly criticises the United Kingdom’s decision not to participate in the plan for a European Coal and Steel Community and particularly deplores the position adopted by the British Labour Party.

‘Oh well! We’ll continue the journey without him.’ On 14 June 1950, cartoonist Woop illustrates the British Government’s decision not to take part in the negotiations on the Schuman Plan.

On 15 June 1950, the Steering Committee of the Socialist Party/French Section of the Workers’ International (SFIO) issues a press release announcing its decision to attend the International Socialist Conference the following day despite the position adopted by the British Labour Party on the Schuman Plan.

On 15 June 1950, the French regional daily newspaper Le Républicain lorrain sets out the reasons for the British Government’s caution at the question of involvement in the European coal and steel pool.

On 15 June 1950, the German magazine Die Gegenwart outlines the reasons for the United Kingdom’s absence from the negotiating table for the Schuman Plan and emphasises the importance of not excluding the British from the European unification process.

In this note to French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, René Massigli, French Ambassador to London, informs the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom's negative attitude towards the French plan to pool coal and steel production in Western Europe.

‘Unfortunately we have our hands full …’ On 17 June 1950, German cartoonist Beuth illustrates the reasons put forward by the British government authorities for their non-participation in the forthcoming negotiations on the implementation of the Schuman Plan. From left to right: Ernest Bevin, British Foreign Secretary, Clement Attlee, British Prime Minister, Konrad Adenauer, Federal Chancellor, and Robert Schuman, French Foreign Minister.

‘English sauce or Pool sauce?’ In June 1950, at the start of diplomatic negotiations on the coal and steel pool, Robert Schuman is reticent about considering the United Kingdom as an ingredient in European cuisine.

‘The bloodless doctor of Paris’. On 22 June 1950, as negotiations are opened on the Schuman Plan, German cartoonist Ernst Maria Lang emphasises the commitment of Robert Schuman to European integration and illustrates the United Kingdom’s absence from the negotiating table.

On 26 June 1950, the British Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions sends a letter to the Foreign Office welcoming the government’s refusal to participate in the negotiations on the implementation of the Schuman Plan.

In a speech to the House of Commons on 27 June 1950, Winston Churchill denounces the absence of the United Kingdom from the negotiating table where the Schuman Plan for a European coal and steel pool is being discussed.

In this telegram addressed to French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman, René Massigli, French Ambassador in London, criticises the policy of Franco–German rapprochement since he believes that it will be detrimental to Franco–British relations.

On 3 July 1950, the British Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations drafts a memorandum on the possible political and economic repercussions of the Schuman Plan on the close relations between the United Kingdom and the Member States of the Commonwealth.

In this telegram, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman tries to reassure his Ambassador in London, René Massigli, of the consequences of British withdrawal from the Schuman Plan negotiations.

In September 1950, the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera criticises the attitude of the British Labour Party which shows little enthusiasm for European integration.

In his memoirs, Robert Schuman, French Foreign Minister, discusses the reasons for the United Kingdom’s negative position with respect to the French plan to establish a coal and steel pool in Western Europe.

In his memoirs, Jacques Dumaine, Head of Protocol at the French Foreign Ministry, recalls how the authorities in the United Kingdom had, from the outset, been extremely cautious towards the Schuman Plan.

In 1952, Christopher Hollis, a Conservative MP and British delegate to the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, sets out in the French magazine Notre Europe the stance adopted by the British Conservative Party in 1950 on the intergovernmental negotiations on the Schuman Plan.

In July 1952, with a view to the future relations between the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the United Kingdom, the British Foreign Secretary drafts a memorandum advocating the establishment of a British delegation to the ECSC High Authority.

In his opening speech delivered on 10 August 1952 at the inaugural session of the High Authority, Jean Monnet makes it clear that the ECSC wishes to be totally open to other States and international organisations.

On 21 December 1954, Jean Monnet, President of the ECSC High Authority, welcomes the signing of the cooperation agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).

On 22 December 1954, the French daily newspaper Le Monde considers the role of the ECSC High Authority and outlines the British Government’s cautious approach to the agreement concerning relations between the United Kingdom and the European Coal and Steel Community.

On 21 December 1954, in London, the British Government, represented by the Minister, Duncan Sandys, and the President of the ECSC High Authority, Jean Monnet, sign an association agreement between the ECSC and the United Kingdom.

On 9 March 1955, in anticipation of the first meeting of the future Council of Association between the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the United Kingdom, the National Coal Board drafts a memorandum in which it sets out the various points that will have to be addressed by the British delegation during the negotiations due to be held on matters relating to coal.

On 17 November 1955, René Mayer, President of the High Authority, delivers the inaugural address of the ECSC-United Kingdom Association Council. Three permanent committees are subsequently established: coal, steel and trade relations.

On 25 November 1957, in Luxembourg, the Six, the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the United Kingdom sign a tariff agreement on iron and steel products.

In this interview, Georges Berthoin, Principal Private Secretary (from 1952 to 1956) to Jean Monnet and then to René Mayer during their respective Presidencies of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), describes the course of the negotiations in 1954 and the implementation of the Association Agreement between the ECSC and the United Kingdom from 1955.

In this interview, Georges Berthoin, Head of the Delegation of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), then of the Commission of the European Communities to the United Kingdom until 1973, describes what took place during the meetings between the ECSC and the United Kingdom which were held in London and in Luxembourg in the latter half of the 1950s.

At the conference held from 25 to 28 March 1987 in Rome to mark the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties establishing the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or Euratom), Dirk Spierenburg, former Member of the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), outlines how, after the failure of the European Defence Community (EDC), the High Authority, and, in particular, its President, Jean Monnet, concentrated its efforts on the drafting of an Association Agreement between the ECSC and the United Kingdom.